Container collection: Booths have been set up at 14 popular shopping centres to collect mooncake boxes for recycling.

A trial recovery programme for mooncake boxes to raise public awareness about waste recycling was launched today during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Collection booths for mooncake containers have been set up at 14 popular shopping centres. Both paper and tin containers are acceptable as long as they are clean.

People can take containers to the booths from 11am to 8pm on September 12-14 and 20-21.

The Environmental Protection Department, the Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades, and the Association of Restaurant Managers have organised the project.

Officiating at the programme's kick-off ceremony, Director of Environmental Protection Rob Law called on the public to recycle mooncake containers to help reduce waste and protect the environment.

Acting Assistant Director of Environmental Protection KF Tang said the move was part of the department's ongoing partnership programme with the restaurant trade.

As an incentive, everyone who hands in a mooncake container will get a coupon that can be used at designated restaurants and food outlets.

They offer concessions such as a 10% discount or free dessert, depending on the participating restaurant. The coupons are valid until September 30.

Details of the trial recovery programme can be found on the EPD website and the Green Restaurant Website.

Enquiries can be made by calling the department's Customer Service Centre at 2838 3111 or the Green Restaurant Hotline at 2784 6638.