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Press Release
Rechargeable battery recycling programme continues to power along
An appeal has been made to the public and battery waste producers to continue to recycle used rechargeable batteries through participation of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme.
Speaking at the programme's second anniversary ceremony today (May 25), the Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department, Dr Michael Chiu Tak-lun thanked the participating companies for providing funding and giving support to the programme, a voluntary producer responsibility scheme under which producers, importers, retailers and consumers share the responsibility in recovering rechargeable batteries for recycling.
"The success of the programme is largely a result of good collaboration among the trade, green groups, supporting companies, housing sectors and many participating parties," Dr Chiu said.
With the achievement of meeting the 10% recovery target of used rechargeable batteries, Dr Chiu is optimistic about the progress of the programme. "Our next two-year goal is to meet a recycling target of 15% - 20 % in 2009."
Since the launch of the programme in 2005, about 40 tonnes of rechargeable batteries, equivalent to 600,000 pieces, have been collected. A total of 26 tonnes of rechargeable batteries have already been recovered and shipped to a designated treatment facility in South Korea for recycling. Cobalt, nickel, cadmium and other metals will be recovered from the batteries during the recycling process and sold for re-use as stainless steel materials, magnetic alloy and cadmium battery materials.
"It is encouraging to see that 38 producers and importers of rechargeable batteries have joined the programme. Six companies - Acer Computer (Far East) Ltd, Amytel Asia Ltd, Chevalier (OA) Ltd, Crown Motors Ltd, Dell Hong Kong Ltd and Microsoft Hong Kong Ltd - joined the programme for the first time," Dr Chiu said.
To enhance public awareness and participation, publicity activities will be strengthened and for the first time, the ceremony has included an exhibition "Wider Use of Rechargeable Batteries" to raise public awareness of rechargeable battery recycling and provide a fuller pictures of benefits of using rechargeable batteries to both the consumers and environment.
"Recycling rechargeable batteries helps reduce the risk of environmental damage and conserves valuable natural resources. They can be re-used for hundreds of times and are more cost-effective.
"Recycle them and help recharge our environment," Dr Chiu said.
The collection network is now very convenient with more than 1,800 points for the public to return their used rechargeable batteries. Locations of these collection points are available at the department's website at www.epd.gov.hk. People can call 2838 3111 for details of the recycling programme.
Ends/Friday, May 25, 2007
The second anniversary ceremony and exhibition of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme was held today (May 25). Officiating guests include (from left) Chief Executive Officer of the Green Power, Dr Man Chi-sum; Convenor of the Working Group of the programme, Ms Josephine Ng; Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Michael Chiu Tak-lun; Deputy Convenor Mr Alan Sham; and Director of the Friends of the Earth, Mr Edwin Lau.
The Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Michael Chiu Tak-lun, appeals to the public and battery waste producers to continue to recycle used rechargeable batteries through participation of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme.
A school drama to convey the message of environmental protection.
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