Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to reader's letter on waste reduction and recycling
Dear Sir,
I write in response to "Recycling policy put on back burner", March 3 and "Put recycling bins at more locations", March 6.
Recycling is definitely not on the back burner. Our goal as set out in the "Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022" is to reduce the per capita municipal solid waste by 40 per cent by 2022. Under the Blueprint, the promotion of waste reduction and recycling is at the very top of our priorities.
Our goals include collecting more recyclables through a new clean recycling campaign announced at this year's Policy Address; and strengthening the local industry. We will be launching the $1 billion Recycling Fund to upgrade the recycling industry’s operational capabilities and efficiency once we receive funding approval from the Legislative Council.
In the issue of recycling bins, over 80% of the population now has recycling bins close to where they live and work. To better engage the community to reduce waste and separate recyclables at source, we have launched the Waste Less mobile App to provide the locations of over 7 000 recycling collection points in Hong Kong and information about waste reduction.
To lead by example, the Government has adopted a procurement policy which encourages wider use of recycled materials.
We will continue to collaborate with the community to tackle our waste challenges. We look forward to continuous support from the community.
Wong Hon Meng
Assistant Director
Environmental Protection Department