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The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, and other guests today (March 12) officiated at the "Change Waste to Gold" launching ceremony - a strategy which aims to promote waste reduction at source, waste recycling and waste to energy technology.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yau said that while Hong Kong's current waste recovery rate had reached 49%, about 9,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste were still disposed of at landfills every day. At this rate, the three existing landfills will reach capacity one after another from 2014 onwards.
To tackle the waste problem facing Hong Kong, Mr Yau said the Government had devised a comprehensive strategy and action plan including a number of initiatives to reduce waste at source. The target is to further increase the waste recovery rate to 55% by 2015.
He called on the community to join hands to reach the waste reduction target and proper waste management for the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
During the "Change Waste to Gold" launching ceremony held at Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill, today, the guests shared green tips in their daily lives and took part in games to enhance the public's awareness of environmental protection. The games received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The event also invited participants of the Japan Eco Tour to share their observations on green facilities in Japan, including visits to Maishima Waste Treatment Centre and Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome. They suggested that Hong Kong could make reference to the waste management measures and facilities, pollution control and waste to energy technology there.
Attending today's ceremony included guests from the Advisory Council on the Environment, green companies and social enterprise.
An exhibition on green awareness is being held at Plaza Hollywood today and tomorrow, from noon to 6pm. There are interactive games and models to demonstrate the idea of "change waste to gold", converting waste into useful materials.
Ends/Saturday, March 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:19
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