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The Housing Department (HD) launched a waste reduction campaign, "Let's join hands to reduce waste in our estates" in all of its public rental housing (PRH) in the second half of last year, resulting in a continual decrease in the amount of refuse collected. From July to December 2014, an average of about 29 000 tonnes of PRH refuse was collected each month, representing a drop of about 7.5 per cent from June 2014.
By organising activities like quizzes, slogan and colouring competitions, workshops, carnivals and waste reduction competitions in PRH, the idea of waste reduction was disseminated to residents. It is hoped that through the department's efforts in promotion, publicity and education, community cohesion will gain momentum and waste reduction will become integral among conscientious residents, guiding them towards further waste reduction.
"These various activities have been effective in helping residents establish the habit of waste reduction. Now, instead of discarding refuse altogether right away, residents would first consider separating them into the three-coloured collection bins," said the Assistant Director of Housing, Mr Leung Sai-chi.
"The HD is always pro-active in implementing the collection of various recyclable materials. Glass bottles and moon cake boxes were two encouraging examples. The department has collected over a million glass bottles at about 500 tonnes so far, and over 54 000 moon cake boxes at about 16 tonnes just in 2014.
As for the collection of new year citrus plants first launched in 2013, last year saw a record of 5 000 pots collected, of which 4 000 pots were re-pruned, replanted and reused in various PRH estates. The event was popular among residents and will be maintained this year.
"Residents are welcome to bring their citrus plants to designated areas in respective estates for collection during the period from February 26 (the 8th day of the Chinese New Year) to March 19. The plants will be selected for repruning based on their condition," said Mr Leung.
The HD upholds the principles of environmental protection and sustainability in its management of PRH over the years. Thanks to the support of residents, Estate Management Advisory Committees and service contractors, an average of 7.5 per cent waste reduction was achieved during the campaign in the second half of last year.
At the beginning of a new year, the HD thanks residents wholeheartedly for their efforts in waste reduction and welcomes their continued support in the years to come.
"To reduce waste in the new year, may we joyfully join our hands again," Mr Leung said.
Ends/Sunday, February 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:00
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