In 2016, we became the first organisation to launch a drink carton recycling programme in Hong Kong, and implemented it in schools, hotels, a theme park and the community in phases. Afterwards, we introduced an innovative “Cash Reward” model to plough drink cartons back into local recycling chains. This helped to establish a holistic and sustainable recycling system in Hong Kong.
Drink cartons are made of paper, plastic and aluminium, which are all recyclable. However, due to the lack of technology, facilities and resources, Hong Kong was yet to implement any drink carton recycling campaigns.
Not until 2019, that is, when a local recycling factory for drink carton was established, opening the door for effective treatment of carton waste. Nevertheless, the current recycling rate is still very low. Over 24,000 tonnes of drink cartons are thrown away each year. Dumping these recyclable resources into the landfills is not only a waste but also aggravates pressure on landfills and the waste problem. What is more, it does not help the local recycling industry.
Looking to examples in other parts of the world like Taipei, South Korea, Japan and Germany, there are a range of recycling regulations in place, including Producer Responsibility Scheme, which use economic means to regulate producers to recycle their own products. In this way, the producers have the incentive to not only provide recycling facilities and mechanisms, but also to choose the right materials and design their packages properly, in order to reduce waste at source.
A drink carton is made of a composite material, making recycling more complicated. By advocating drink carton recycling, we hope to raise public awareness of and reflections on Hong Kong's recycling policy:
- The operation of the local recycling industry has always remained at a low technology level, involving baling and export only. There is no economic incentive to recycle composite materials such as drink cartons, which require a higher cost.
- Since Producer Responsibility Scheme is not in place, recycling of composite materials lacks the support of producers, making it more difficult for the materials to build sufficient market value for recycling.
- Without municipal solid waste charging, the public lacks an incentive to reduce waste and recycle. Even with capable facilities, the recycling rate is still poor.
- Without legislation and the support of producers, the recycling industry only struggles to survive at a rudimentary technology level, and so is incapable of developing towards a high-end and value-added industry; the poor recycling rate hinders the recycling industry from reaching optimal operation efficiency, forming a vicious cycle.
We will continue advocating the implementation of a Producer Responsibility Scheme regarding all beverage containers and food packaging by the government, and urge producers to take on their environmental responsibility and support the local recycling industry. On the other hand, through recycling drink cartons, we hope to boost society's demand for recycling, and together we will strive for progress in waste management for Hong Kong!
