Sha Tin Community Green Station, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, will be open to the public from 2pm tomorrow. It will focus on collecting recyclables with lower economic value and promoting environmental education at the district level.
The station is at 10 On Ping Street and covers a gross floor area of about 1,600 square metres. It was previously used as temporary parking space and has been transformed into a public space made up of shipping containers and various types of green construction materials.
Recyclables with lower economic value, including electrical appliances, compact fluorescent lamps and tubes, glass bottles and rechargeable batteries, will be collected at the station and delivered to qualified recyclers for proper treatment, turning waste into resources.
Assistant Director of Environmental Protection Samson Lai said the green station and private recyclers serve different functions and will not be competing with each other. The station's successful implementation will progressively enhance the quantity and quality of recyclables collected in the district.
Since the station's trial run began in February, its operator, the Christian Family Service Centre, has already established collaboration arrangements with more than 70 housing estates, institutions and schools in Sha Tin.
The centre also plans to organise sharing sessions and regular guided tours to promote environmental education at the district level.
The Government is developing green stations in other districts. It hopes to open the Eastern District Community Green Station next, which will be run by the Po Leung Kuk.
The remaining 16 stations are in different construction or planning stages.
