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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, after attending the launch ceremony of the "Clink, Drink then Recycle" glass bottle recycling programme today (October 27):
Reporter: Mr Wong, how does a programme like this help encourage businesses to recycle their glass bottles?
Secretary for the Environment: Regarding the recycling of glass, in particular glass bottles, you know that we are having the process to produce the so-called PRS, the Producer Responsibility Scheme, for glass beverage bottles. The draft law has been submitted to the LegCo (Legislative Council) for review, and actually the first meeting is to be held this Friday. So, to make the necessary preparation, we have been expanding glass recycling from residential areas to commercial areas as announced today. We are collaborating with large shopping malls that comprise of large number of restaurants, bars, etc, that are the key sources of glass or bottles. Through this collaboration, we can learn what is the experience we should acquire in order to prepare for the PRS.
In essence, there are three key elements. One is that we have to work with the workers and staff in the shopping malls and restaurants to provide the clean recycling practice that would enhance the quality of recycling and also reduce the cost involved. Secondly, on logistics, we are going to have the lorry team that would be equipped with GPS that can trace their path so that we can make sure the recyclable glass would be delivered to the desirable outlets and collection areas. Lastly, we have collaborated with the relevant bureaux and departments, particularly the works departments, that would provide sufficient outlets for the collected recyclables. Besides the eco-paver used in the past, we have been expanding to other works usage so we would be able to ensure there would be sufficient outlets to absorb all collected recyclable glass in Hong Kong. Through all these practices, we can encourage all recyclers from residential to commercial sectors to help provide the recycling of glass.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:36
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