Tenders invited for provision of services for treatment and recycling of washing machines
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The Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), or WPRS in short, which covers air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners and monitors (collectively referred to as regulated electrical equipment or REE), has been in operation since August 1, 2018. The WPRS enables the WEEE generated locally to be properly recycled and turned into resources, instead of being exported for treatment or sent to landfills.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Treatment and Recycling Facility (WEEE·PARK), developed by the Government, commenced full operation in March last year to ensure that Hong Kong has adequate capacity for processing the waste REE generated locally, particularly those items with lower recycling value or higher processing costs such as refrigerators and washing machines. At the same time, the Government has been encouraging local recyclers to enhance their operation standards by obtaining a waste disposal licence in compliance with the requirements set out in the Waste Disposal Ordinance for the recycling and treatment of waste REE, so as to promote the development of the recycling industry and facilitate a circular economy.
An EPD spokesman said, "We notice that at present some recyclers have been granted a waste disposal licence to carry out the treatment of certain types of WEEE, including washing machines. To encourage market participation in the recycling of WEEE, we decided to engage contractors who have obtained the waste disposal licence, through open tender, to carry out the treatment and recycling of washing machines that are collected outside the statutory removal services under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance for a contract period of 10 months.
"Through this short term contract, we may observe any market changes or developments and take note of progress before deciding on the need to prepare a further contract for bidding by interested recyclers."
The EPD believes that the arrangement will send a positive message to the market and encourage capable recyclers to consider suitable investment and apply for waste disposal licences, so as to more fully participate in the recycling and treatment of WEEE, which will bring long term benefits to the development of the local recycling industry.
The tendering period will close at noon on June 20, 2019 (Thursday). Interested parties may obtain the tender documents from the Supplies Section of the EPD at 5/F, Chinachem Exchange Square, 1 Hoi Wan Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, during office hours. They may also refer to the EPD website at www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/business_job/business_opp/tender.html for information. For enquiries, please call 2963 9460.
Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:32
Issued at HKT 17:32
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