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The Eastern Community Green Station (CGS), an attractive and purpose-built green facility, was officially opened today (September 23). With an aim of strengthening environmental education in the district, the Eastern CGS will also supplement the existing private recycling services by providing collection services for recyclables of low economic value, so as to enable more residents to take part in waste reduction and recycling and promote green living at the community level.
Located at 30 Oi Shun Road in Shau Kei Wan, the Eastern CGS is operated by Po Leung Kuk under a three-year service contract tendered in April this year. Following a smooth trial period the facility was officially opened by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, and the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk, Dr Pollyanna Chu, at a plaque-unveiling ceremony today.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Wong said that the Eastern CGS, which is a green building project, will be operated to best suit the district's need. He also said he believes it will become a green landmark in the district because of its pristine and practical design.
Mr Wong said that the Eastern CGS, as with other CGS projects, will mainly provide support for the community in the collection of low-value recyclables such as electrical appliances, compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tubes, glass bottles and rechargeable batteries. The collected items will be delivered to qualified recyclers for proper treatment and turning waste into resources. The operator will also promote clean recycling and other green messages through various kinds of public education activities including exhibitions, seminars and workshops, to increase both the quantity and quality of the collected recyclables in the district.
The Eastern CGS, which is made up of container modules, was designed by the Architectural Services Department and won the merit award under the Green Building Award 2014 jointly organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council. With the Eastern CGS' innovative and greening design the site, which is underneath a flyover and used to be a temporary parking space, has been greatly beautified. By adopting a "place-making" approach together with proper venue management, the operator is committed to enhancing environmental education and strengthening logistics support for recycling in the district.
The Eastern CGS was well received by the local community during the trial period, receiving more than 5,000 visitors. Many visitors gave positive feedback on the activities organised there so far, including exhibitions, seminars and workshops. Some visitors also expressed their views on the operation strategy. So far, the operator has confirmed collaborative arrangements with over 60 housing estates for the collection of waste electrical appliances and equipment, glass bottles and other recyclables. The operator will continue to expand its service network in the district and gradually increase the types of recyclables to be collected.
Apart from specified closed days, members of the public are invited to visit the Eastern CGS from 8am to 8pm on a daily basis and make beneficial use of the facilities and enjoy activities there. Updated information on its services will be announced on social media and other channels. Enquiries can also be made at 2778 2330.
While two CGS projects have commenced operation, the construction of two other CGS projects in Yuen Long and Kwun Tong is in progress, with completion expected in the middle of next year. The Environmental Protection Department is now working on the tender exercise for their service contracts. Information on the latest developments of the CGS projects will be announced at an appropriate time.
Ends/Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:37
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