Reduce, re-use, recycle: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau briefs reporters on the proposed producer responsibility scheme.

The Environment Bureau is seeking views on introducing legislation to implement a mandatory producer-responsibility scheme for the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau today said the scheme will cut environmental damage from waste electrical and electronic equipment.

The move will promote waste recycling, and the reuse and recovery of useful materials, plus boost the development of local environmental industries.

Key proposals

The bureau will focus on two categories of products - bulky electrical and electronic equipment, and computer products.

It wants to establish a licensing system for storage sites of used regulated products, and regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment. Anyone who intends to operate a storage site will need a licence and declare proposed operation details.

The bureau said regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment should be banned from disposal as ordinary garbage and be collected separately for recycling.

To enhance the collection system it suggests mandatory take-backs by retailers free of charge on a "new for old" basis.

Submission deadline

The consultation will run until April 30. Click here for the consultation document.

Views should be sent to the Environmental Protection Department, Room 4522, 45/F Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong, or via this website.