SEN and LegCo Members visit local waste management facilities (with photos)
***************************************************

     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, briefed members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) during a site visit today (May 11) on the operation and effectiveness of local waste management facilities and spoke about the results of recycling efforts. The visit covered the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Recycle Centre, EcoPark, restored Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill and South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill.

     Mr Wong said the visit would enable LegCo Members to better understand the Government's waste management measures and the development of local recycling, and at the same time would assist further exchanges between the Council and Government on relevant issues.

     Mr Wong and the LegCo Members first visited the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long Recycle Centre at Tsing Hoi Circuit, Tuen Mun. The Centre, a recycling facility approved under the Environment and Conservation Fund, collects recyclables from both residential and commercial sectors in building blocks and residential estates in the district. In addition to recycling an average of four tonnes of waste plastic per month, it also collects waste computers, small electrical appliances and glass bottles for recycling or reuse. The Centre successfully promotes a culture of "going green" in the district.

     They next visited the EcoPark in Tuen Mun, which is the core of the Environmental Protection Department's (EPD) initiative to develop the local environmental and recycling industry and provide land for their long-term use at an affordable cost. On arrival, the party went to the visitor centre there to learn about Hong Kong's waste management system through exhibits and models, as well as to learn more about green promotional efforts with regard to schools and organisations. They then visited EcoPark tenants, namely the EcoPark Plastic Resources Recycling Centre and "WEEE GO GREEN" EcoPark, both run by non-governmental organisations to process waste plastic and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), as well as a waste cooking oil recycling plant. The party exchanged views with the tenants and learned about their businesses.

     Finally, Mr Wong and the LegCo members toured the restored Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill and SENT Landfill. The group was briefed by EPD staff on landfill restoration works and afteruse, and took a look at the pet garden and cycle tracks being built on the restored landfill. They were pleased to see that the site could cater for local needs for more leisure and recreational facilities. They were also able to view the daily operation of the SENT Landfill and the multiple measures taken to reduce its environmental impact on the surrounding area.

     Mr Wong said the Government will soon announce the blueprint on sustainable use of resources which will elaborate on the "reduction first" waste management policy and map out the Government's comprehensive strategy and action plans to tackle the issue in the future.

Ends/Saturday, May 11, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:05

NNNN