Government continues to tackle suspension of waste paper collection by some recyclers
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The Government has been paying close attention to the impact on the community arising from the suspension of waste paper collection and processing by some recyclers. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and other departments including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) have recently adopted temporary measures to cope with the situation.
The FEHD has been closely monitoring the hygiene condition of the Refuse Collection Points (RCPs) and the streets in all districts in the past two days. With reference to the actual circumstances of various locations, the FEHD has instructed its cleaning service contractors to deploy manpower and vehicles to collect waste paper from black spots continuously for delivery to RCPs managed by the FEHD for temporary storage. It has taken more manpower and time than usual to unfold paper boxes for ease of transportation and storage. Moreover, as the capacity of individual RCPs is limited, the FEHD has also arranged to deliver waste paper to the EcoPark in Tuen Mun by trucks. According to the need of different districts, the FEHD will increase the delivery frequency of recyclables, temporarily stored in RCPs, to the EcoPark. Taking into consideration manpower and the situation of individual locations, the FEHD will carry out law enforcement actions against illegal disposal of carton boxes on the streets. The FEHD will continue to closely monitor relevant situation, timely review the arrangement, and deploy resources to improve the collection services.
The spokesman called on the public to step up waste reduction at source and practise clean recycling. They should also prevent recyclables from being contaminated, getting wet or mixed with other non-recyclable waste. To enhance efficiency for recycling of carton paper, the public are advised to open and flatten them and store them separately.
The EPD has reserved temporary storage area at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun. As at 6pm today, the area has received 44 tonnes of waste paper delivered by the recycling trade for temporary storage, as well as 14 tonnes of waste paper collected from the streets by the FEHD for temporary storage. The EPD reminded members of the trade using the temporary storage area to properly sort and cover the waste paper, and take them back for processing in due course. They are also required to observe relevant terms of use. Members of the trade including property management companies, cleaning service contractors, waste and recyclables collectors and transporters, as well as waste paper recyclers should make prior appointments for using the area by calling the hotline 9166 4592.
In addition, the EPD has communicated with operators of the four Community Green Stations as well as the 18 Community Recycling Centres funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund. They will continue to receive sorted clean waste paper taken to them by the public. As at 6pm today, the Community Green Stations and the Community Recycling Centres have received 827kg of waste paper delivered by the public.
The Government will continue to keep close track of the latest development with a view to minimising the impact on the community.
Ends/Sunday, September 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:21
Issued at HKT 20:21
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