The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (March 24) that, the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme (GREEN$ ePIS) will be further digitalised. Starting from May 4, it will be linked with the electronic payment platform AlipayHK. Together with the existing platforms, namely Carbon Wallet and MoneyBack, GREEN$ points can be used at more than 150 000 merchants across Hong Kong, making it more convenient and flexible for the public to use their recycling points in their everyday life, thus embedding recycling into daily routines.

     The EPD spokesperson said, "The registered users of GREEN$ ePIS have exceeded over 1.2 million, with approximately 90 per cent of them already using the mobile application. Following the linking with AlipayHK, GREEN$ points can be instantly converted into AlipayHK points, which can be used as cash or redeemed for coupons. Users can then spend their GREEN$ points anytime, anywhere at partnered merchants on the AlipayHK, Carbon Wallet, and MoneyBack platforms, covering a wide range of everyday scenarios, including online shopping, bill payments, transportation, retail, and dining. At the same time, users may also choose to redeem $50 physical supermarket cash vouchers with their GREEN$ points at all GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities, providing a convenient way for the public to purchase daily necessities. These arrangements make environmental rewards better aligned with the public's everyday needs."

     With the further digitalisation of GREEN$ ePIS, the variety, methods and locations for redeeming rewards will be increased significantly, making the scheme more attractive and convenient for users. The Government will keep pace with the times and progressively reduce physical gift redemption points. Starting from May 4, one GREEN@COMMUNITY physical gift redemption point will be retained in each of the 18 districts across Hong Kong (see Annex for details), while residents of the outlying islands (including Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lamma Island) can continue to redeem physical gifts at their respective Recycling Spots.

     The spokesperson said, "While promoting digital transformation, the department has formulated a series of 'people-first' support measures to ensure a smooth transition to digitalisation for different user groups. The EPD will set up temporary service counters at major public rental housing estates during peak recycling hours, where dedicated staff will provide on-site registration and demonstration of mobile applications for the elderly and those in need. Frontline staff at GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities will also assist the elderly in downloading and using the application, with pictorial guides and short videos available on-site."

     Existing GREEN$ physical cardholders who wish to retain the point-earning function must complete real-name registration by August 31, 2027. Starting from May 4, 2026, unregistered physical cards will no longer be able to earn new points, but existing points can still be redeemed for gifts by August 31, 2027.

     Members of the public may visit the dedicated webpage of GREEN$ ePIS (www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en-hk/waste-reduction-programme/greencommunity#green-electronic-participation-scheme) for the latest information.

     Through years of dedicated efforts by the EPD and various stakeholders, and the support of the public, GREEN$ ePIS has evolved into a platform that unites different sectors of society to promote a green waste reduction and recycling culture, and to encourage active public participation in the separation of waste and recycling. The EPD will further promote digitalisation and other enhancement measures to integrate recycling into people's daily lives, making the recycling infrastructure and supporting facilities more user-friendly and people-oriented. This is also an important step forward for deepening the efforts in emission reduction and waste reduction. The EPD looks forward to working hand in hand with the public to continuously promote Hong Kong's green waste reduction and recycling culture.

Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:00

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