Hong Kong raises stakes on glass recycling

China – The Chinese Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing has announced plans to make glass recycling mandatory in Hong Kong. The proposed legislation would mainly target wine, beer and other beverage bottles, he has said.

An estimated 70 000 tonnes of glass waste is generated throughout Hong Kong every year. ‘Glass accounts for 3% of all waste in the city, and only 5% of it is recycled,’ Mr Wong has observed. ‘We can’€™t say it’s insignificant – we have to minimise waste in every aspect.’ He believes a levy of HK$ 1 on glass beverage bottles will cover recycling costs.

Although Mr Wong has not specified which parties would be required to treat the glass, environmental groups have suggested importers or retailers would probably be handed this role. Further details regarding the legislation are due to be released in March and the minister expects new measures to be implemented towards the end of the year.

Given that the money raised would support local glass recyclers, they have responded to the new plan with enthusiasm, arguing the levy would potentially cancel out transportation costs. However, the food and beverage trade has pointed out that other forms of bottle would escape the levy and that it would be ‘unfair to single out glass’.

According to Hong Kong wine dealer Keith Wong Wing-kit, the levy is bound to have a far-reaching impact on the beer market, saying: ‘Each beer costs about HK$ 10 and they are more popular than wines. It would add up to lots of money if an importer brings in 100 million bottles a year.’

Source: South China Morning Post