The recovery rate of domestic waste climbed from 14% in 2004 to 35% last year, while that of municipal solid waste rose to 49%, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says.

Noting Hong Kong's waste-recovery rate is rising steadily, Mr Yau told lawmakers today the rate of commercial and industrial waste is consistently high at 65%.

About 1,480 housing estates have joined the programme on source separation of domestic waste, representing 74% of the population. It has also been extended to commercial and industrial buildings so businesses can recover waste.

The Government has placed 38,600 waste-separation bins in public areas, schools, housing estates and government buildings. The 'Minimising Waste, Maximising the Future' programme was launched this month to raise public awareness of source separation and waste reduction.

"An initiative is to liaise with property-management companies to encourage them to install additional recovery facilities in their shopping malls and commercial buildings. This will help the public get into the habit of separating waste before disposal," Mr Yau said.

"Other initiatives include encouraging the public to use less disposable cutlery in cafes and restaurants. Training for domestic helpers will also be enhanced."