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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the EcoPark Management Company today (May 17) held the Friends of EcoPark 2011/12 Award Presentation Ceremony to commend all the participating organisations and companies for their support to the recyclers in the EcoPark and the development of the local recycling industry, building a greener Hong Kong.
The Friends of EcoPark scheme, launched in 2010, aims to encourage collaboration between the tenants of the EcoPark and private and public organisations and companies. These organisations and companies provide support to the tenants in running their recycling businesses including waste source supplies, co-ordination of waste collection and regular use of recycled products produced by the tenants of the EcoPark.
The second year of the scheme drew participation from 79 organisations and companies in different trades and industries, including manufacturing, catering, hotel and retail industries, property management, logistics companies, public organisations and a government department. The number of participants in the second year was an encouraging leap from the previous year's 49.
The award presentation ceremony was held at the Business Environment Council in Kowloon Tong today. Several EcoPark tenants shared their opinions on the latest developments in their recycling businesses and how the scheme has helped promote recycling in society. Moreover, some awardees spoke of how the scheme helped forge mutually beneficial relationships between EcoPark tenants and partners from the private and public sectors.
In operation since 2007, the EcoPark provides long-term land at affordable costs and a whole package of amenities for use by the recycling and environmental industry with a view to alleviating the expenditure of recyclers on infrastructure, thereby encouraging their investment in advanced technologies and recycling processes. The EcoPark endeavours to promote the turning of waste into resources by returning recyclable materials to the production line and the consumption loop, promoting the development of the local environmental and recycling industry.
Five tenants of EcoPark Phase 1 are operating the recycling of waste cooking oil, waste metals, waste wood, waste computers and waste plastics. Two non-profit-making organisations, namely Yan Oi Tong and St James' Settlement, are running recycling centres that process waste plastics and waste electrical and electronic equipment respectively in EcoPark Phase 2.
Meanwhile, five new tenants are now fully engaged in design and planning for the construction of their plants in Phase 2 with a target of commissioning their operation in 2013. Types of recyclables will cover waste construction materials, waste glass and waste rubber tyres.
The EPD and the EcoPark Management Company will continue to promote the EcoPark, encourage tenants' participation in eco-exhibitions and conferences, and organise recycling schemes in residential and industrial neighbourhoods. In addition, the Tuen Mun District Council will work with the EcoPark in co-organising more eco-activities to motivate local residents to take part in recycling efforts.
The EcoPark will continue to encourage a closer partnership between enterprises and EcoPark tenants through the Friends of EcoPark scheme for the sustainable development of the EcoPark. For more information about the Friends of EcoPark scheme, please visit the EcoPark's website at www.ecopark.com.hk .
Ends/Thursday, May 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:42
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