Producer responsibility scheme on glass beverage containers accepts supplier registrations from February 1
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     The producer responsibility scheme on glass beverage containers (GPRS) will be fully implemented on May 1 to promote the recycling of waste glass beverage containers in Hong Kong. Starting from tomorrow (February 1), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) will accept registrations from suppliers, and accept applications for exemption from payment of container recycling levies and applications for container waste disposal licences. 

     Starting from May 1, suppliers of glass-bottled beverages (including manufacturers and importers) must first register with the EPD as a registered supplier before distributing any glass-bottled beverages in Hong Kong, otherwise it will be an offence. A registered supplier must fulfil its statutory obligations, including submission of returns, keeping records relating to the returns, payment of container recycling levies and submission of annual audit reports. A registered supplier who has a recovery and reuse arrangement for the glass containers of its beverage products may apply to the EPD for a levy exemption.

     Moreover, starting from the same date, any person who stores, treats, reprocesses or recycles glass container waste must obtain a waste disposal licence, and any person who imports or exports such waste must obtain a relevant permit.

     The EPD urges concerned suppliers and practitioners in the recycling industry to submit an application as soon as possible to comply with the relevant legal requirements of the GPRS, so as to ensure continued distribution of glass-bottled beverages and disposal of glass container waste in Hong Kong on or after May 1. For enquiries about the supplier registration or the application for a levy exemption and the container waste disposal licence, please call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.

     To enable suppliers to understand the statutory requirements and operational details of the GPRS, the EPD will conduct several briefing sessions (see Annex), and will assist attendees on the spot to become registered suppliers. Any person who is interested in attending the briefing sessions may visit the EPD website at www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/pro_responsibility/gprs_supplier.html for details. 

Ends/Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00

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