The government funded recycling containers in the lobby area of housing estates are only collecting a fraction of what could be recycled. Most of Hong Kong’s waste comes from residential housing estates so this is a major problem.

In 1999, Sustainable Solutions Limited (SSL) teamed up with Hong Yip Service company (a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.) to develop a system of recycling on every floor of the Royal Peninsula estate in Hung Hom to make recycling more convenient for residents.

In order for the recycling bins to work effectively, they had to fit into tiny refuse rooms and be able to collect the recyclable waste of up to eight apartments each day. The containers have a unique modular design and are available in bright colours with warm tones and no rough or sharp edges. They are made from recyclable plastic with fire retardant properties. Reusable bags have been custom made for the containers. It is hoped that the new system will make recycling a part of our everyday lives rather than a chore.

The project was monitored to see exactly how much more refuse the containers collect on each floor in comparison with just having recycling bins in the lobby area. In the first twelve months the Royal Peninsula has showed that it could recycle NINE TIMES more domestic recyclable waste by having recycling facilities on each floor compared with on the ground level only.

Both the Environmental Protection Department and Housing Authority have visited the Royal Peninsula and commend the system.

According to the government website, each tonne of waste that is sent to landfills costs the Hong Kong government HK$830. The recycling containers at the Royal Peninsula estate will enjoy a life-cycle of at least ten years. The system would then save the government over HK$200,000! 

In early 2007 the Hong Kong Government plans to implement a charge on domestic waste as part of its “Polluter Pays Campaign”. The more waste recycled means the less goes into landfills and ultimately the less charges companies and residents will have to pay.  

Background

SSL was established in 1999 by a group concerned about the Hong Kong environment. The objectives of the company are to find sustainable solutions to the environmental problems facing Hong Kong.

SSL’s first project was to write a guidebook explaining exactly what the environmental problems facing Hong Kong are and what the public, businesses and the government can do to alleviate the environmental damage done. The book was written in Chinese and English and even translated into braille.

Over 22,000 copies of the guide were given to schools and youth groups. Some of the solutions outlined in the guidebook were then put into action.

In Hong Kong, SSL set up over 104 recycling facilities in public areas made from high-grade stainless steel. Rather than use taxpayers money to recycle, we gave companies the opportunity to support the environment. Sponsor your own recycle bin with us!

Shell, Ericsson, Nestle, Hong Kong Electric, Elec & Eltek, Apple Daily, 3M, Culture Homes and the Hong Kong Government (FEHD and ECF) are some of the organisations which have backed our public recycling facilities. The Government has now set up public recycling containers around Hong Kong.

Further projects include setting up mobile phone battery and ink cartridge collection facilities around the business areas of Hong Kong. 

SSL has now put into operation over 3,700 recycling facilities around Hong Kong and Macau.  SSL has now implemented recycling on every floor in more than 32 estates in Hong Kong! SSL hopes to revolutionize recycling in Hong Kong through leading by example.