Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan met the recycling trade’s representatives today to discuss the sustainable development of the recycling industry in Hong Kong and EcoPark's operation.

Legislative Council members Chan Hak-kan and Chan Siu-hung also took part in the meeting.

The trade representatives acknowledged that Hong Kong's recycling industry is facing great challenges and difficult business conditions that include an increase in operation cost, difficulties in logistics and transportation arrangements during the COVID-19 epidemic, an unstable quantity of recyclables collected and a shortage of labour.

They said they hoped that the Government could provide the trade with more support measures. Some of them requested the suspension of the export of waste to other places for recycling so as to encourage local recycling and support the recycling industry’s development in the city.

Noting that the industry involves different participants, such as collectors, local recyclers and exporters, some of the representatives suggested the government policy should take into account a fair competitive business environment and support the industry as a whole instead of favouring individual companies.

Otherwise, it would reduce the efficiency of waste management and increase the overall social costs, they added.

Mr Tse expressed gratitude to the recycling industry practitioners entering the EcoPark through open tender and contributing to Hong Kong's environmental protection work.

Under the premise of maintaining a free, open and rule-based business environment, the Government will treat all recycling industry practitioners, including EcoPark tenants, in a fair manner, Mr Tse said, adding that law enforcement against illegal activities will be strengthened to enable fair competition among operators who conduct their businesses legally.

The environment chief explained that he understands the difficulties the industry faces. In view of the changing business environment of the global environmental protection industry and the shortage of land supply in Hong Kong, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been striving to render support to the recycling industry, including the provision of land in the EcoPark and resources through various green funds to move up the value chain.

In the policy aspect, the Government has been implementing progressively the producer responsibility schemes on various recyclable resources, which currently cover waste electrical and electronic equipment and glass beverage containers, and will be extended to include beverage plastic containers, beverage cartons and other recyclable resources in the future.

Mr Tse pointed out that coupled with the imminent introduction of municipal solid waste charging and the continuous expansion of the community recycling network, they will create more favourable business conditions for the recycling industry.

Apart from providing support and resource allocation, the Government also encourages the industry to make good use of innovative technologies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and overall competitiveness of the recycling industry and develop high value-added businesses to strengthen competitiveness.

Moreover, the EPD will adjust the EcoPark’s operation strategy from time to time in view of the market need and actual situation of the tenants.

The Environment & Ecology Bureau emphasised that it and the EPD will continue to communicate with the industry and support them to work together towards the development of a high value-added and sustainable recycling industry.