by Leung Yat Ching, Oscar
The management of recycling bins has never been so unpredictable! Soon after the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) took over, the bins’ design and size became bigger and clearer. Still, the EPD intends to eradicate the renovated bins in urban areas. What are the rationales behind this decision? More importantly, is it helpful or detrimental to recycling in Hong Kong?
Since June 2022, the EPD has been removing urban kerbside recycling bins, urging citizens to use upgraded recycling facilities in housing estates and GREEN@COMMUNITY. Despite past slogans such as “I’m not a litter bin” aimed at reducing contamination, the quality and quantity of recycling remained unsatisfactory. As a result, the EPD plans to boost recycling efficiency by enhancing the GREEN@COMMUNITY network and services while reducing the role of recycling bins. By the end of 2022, 800 bins had been removed.
Little does the EPD know that, although well-intentioned, the sudden removal of recycling bins has discouraged people from pursuing recycling due to added pitfalls and a lack of clear guidance. The recycling rate plummeted to a 10-year low, with only 19% of domestic waste recycled. Why would this happen despite the improved and constantly growing services from GREEN@COMMUNITY?
“I had trouble looking for this recycling station the first time I came here. Still, no sign shows the way,” Social worker Yan Yuen quoted, in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) article “Hongkongers struggle to recycle as authorities rush to remove kerbside bins to make way for the new scheme”
The remoteness of recycling stations hinders recycling in Hong Kong, with many Hongkongers lacking nearby access, especially when the coverage of the GREEN@COMMUNITY network is small. Yan, for example, had to bypass two wet markets, various garages, industrial buildings, and a busy thoroughfare to reach the Fu Cheong Estate collection station. The absence of clear signage made the journey even more challenging. Recycling would be much easier for her if bins were still on the streets.
“Not all mobile spots are open at times that are convenient to most working adults.” Wendell Chan quoted, in SCMP’s letter to the editor
The opening time of those stations clashes with Hongkongers' working schedule. Currently, most recycling stations are open from 08:00 to 20:00, while some are only available from 09:00 to 19:00. Most Hongkongers are occupied by office work. Though some stores place overnight collection bins, Hongkongers would not bother to make a stop there because of the lack of incentives for random drop-offs.
The EPD's efforts appear futile with plummeting recycling rates. The public may question their motives while recycling bins are removed, rubbish bins still remain ubiquitous. It is obvious that recycling materials often end up as trash without any accessible recycling facilities. Then, can the EPD's actions be considered unreasonable? This is an interesting question worth pondering.
Still, Some improvements can make their policies more approachable, at least Hongkongers do not have to go on a journey to recycling plastic bottles.
Active promotion of the "Waste Less" Mobile Application
Released in 2014, the app helps the public locate recycling bins throughout Hong Kong but has only reached 10,000 downloads, showing limited awareness among Hongkongers. To widen its audience, the EDP should promote the app through television, as well as social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Increased promotion could encourage more Hongkongers to use the app, thereby enhancing recycling efforts in the community.
Constant fixing and updating of the app
Bugs and inconsistencies are the major red flags for this app. Complaints about interface malfunctions are evident in Google Play ratings. Also, a report from the Office of The Ombudsman highlighted discrepancies between app locations and the actual location of recycling bins at those sites. The EDP must promptly update and fix the app to ensure accuracy. Otherwise, it will not help Hongkongers in locating recycling bins, hindering them from recycling.
Careful planning of recycling bins
The Ombudsman's report on refuse contamination and bin misuse cannot justify the removal of all bins. In fact, the report highlights that these issues mainly occur near food premises and wet markets. In light of this, the EDP can relocate those bins to more open, accessible areas for convenient recycling. In addition, enhancing public education is crucial to raise awareness about proper bin usage.