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The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, officiated today (December 13) at the launch of newly designed waste separation bins at a ceremony in Lung Poon Court, Diamond Hill.
"The two types of new waste separation bins, metal and plastic, will cater for the needs of various buildings or locations," Mr Yau said.
Metal waste separation bins, which are made of stainless steel and of a smaller size, will be placed indoors. The plastic bins, which are made of high density polyethylene and have larger capacity, will be placed outdoors for cost-effectiveness and security against theft.
"The new plastic waste separation bins are recyclable and more durable," Mr Yau said.
With enlarged openings, they will cover all types of waste paper, metals and plastics. They also have self-closing lids with engraved signage and drainage holes at the bottom. Those features make the new plastic bins more convenient and user-friendly. They also will not flood during heavy rain and or catch fire from the disposal of cigarettes.
Both types of new waste separation bins will be distributed to residential, commercial and industrial sites through the Promotion Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste launched by the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC). Plastic bins will be distributed to schools under the Waste Separation and Recycling Scheme in Schools.
To encourage and facilitate waste separation by the public, the Environment Protection Department proposes, and the ECC supports, to extend the distribution of the waste separation bins to recyclable collection points (RCPs) set up by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) at public places.
"The bins will be distributed to designated RCPs through liaison with the FEHD, Home Affairs Department and District Councils," Mr Yau said.
Ends/Saturday, December 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:54
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