1.1 Waste
Hong Kong produces around 6.4 million tonnes of waste each year but is capable only to collect and process only a small amount of recyclable waste. Landfills are estimated to be saturated by 2019. Among all the types of waste, food, plastics and paper take up the biggest amounts.
1.2 Recycling Business
Kwai Chung has a system of recycling business which includes transportation from the Gin Drinkers Bay Public Cargo Working Areas to the industrial areas. In the district, most of the recycling stations recycle metals followed by paper and plastic as these materials contribute to the biggest value of recycled materials.
Opportunities and Constraints
Constraints:
Not fully implemented Policies of Waste Management
e.g. Producer Responsibility Schemes, Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme
Highly Contaminated Local Waste Feedstock
86% Recyclers processed plastic waste without washing
Limited Supply of Affordable Land
market rent of industrial land for recycling could be as high as HK$235/sq.m, 10 times above EcoPark
Limited Recycling Infrastructure
Paper: no paper mills for production of recycled paper
Plastic: existing plastic recycling facilities could process 12% of the waste
Opportunities:
More Infrastructure and Better Working Conditions
E.g. EcoPark (small-scale)
-> more territorial job opportunities
Supply of Affordable Land & Integration of Facilities
more short-term/ medium-term tenancy sites (current 17)
more berths in public cargo working areas (current 16)
-> more stable income & business model
Remodelling of the Recycling Business Model
Collaboration between community members to create art out of recycled waste
-> stronger local social cohesion