Computer Recycling Programme launched by the trade | Environmental Protection Department

Press Release

Computer Recycling Programme launched by the trade

A territory-wide Computer Recycling Programme (CRP), jointly funded and organised by 20 local and international computer equipment suppliers and with the full support of the Environmental Protection Department and several green groups and relevant organisations, is officially launched today (January 12) at Olympian City 2.

Officiating at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said, “The Programme, which aims to encourage the recovery and recycling of used computer equipment by the general public, is the second voluntary producer responsibility scheme after the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Programme. It puts the concept of producer responsibility into practise and helps promote greener living through waste avoidance and recovery.”

Computer equipment recovered by the CRP includes desktop and notebook computers, monitors, scanners and other accessories (including hard disks, mouse units and USB external storage devices, etc). The target of the CRP is to recover 50,000 items of computer equipment annually in the first two years of implementation, of which 10 per cent of the better quality computers will be set aside for donation to the needy through a charitable organisation, while the rest will be recycled.

"The Programme provides both a convenient and environmentally sound way for the public to recover their old computer equipment for reuse and recycling," Mr Yau said.

As a clear demonstration of their commitment to shoulder eco-responsibility, members of the computer trade have formed a dedicated non-profit making organisation, known as the Hong Kong WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Recycling Association, to manage the CRP.

Welcoming this initiative, Mr Yau said the computer trade's commitment to protecting the environment had set an excellent example for manufacturers and suppliers of other products to follow.

To encourage the public to recycle used computer and other electrical appliances, EPD will organise territory-wide WEEE Recycling Days next Saturday and Sunday (January 19 and 20). Over 60 public collection points (including points at community centres, schools and housing estates) will be provided. In addition, some 400 housing estates have signed up to take part in the WEEE Recycling Days to recover used computer and electrical appliances from their residents.

Used computer equipment collected during the WEEE Recycling Days will be transferred to the CRP for subsequent donation to those in need or recycling to recover useful materials.

Starting from late February, the public can bring their used computer equipment to fourteen designated public collection points. To further facilitate public participation, the CRP's recycler will from March onwards provide collection service at participating buildings and estates according to a district collection schedule. Some 600 public and private residential estates and industrial and commercial buildings have already signed up.

The member suppliers of the CRP are: Acer Computer (FE) Ltd, Brother International (HK) Ltd, Canon HK Co Ltd, Epson HK Ltd, Fujitsu Group, Hewlett-Packard AP (HK) Ltd, Lenovo (HK) Ltd, NEC HK Ltd, Philips Electronics HK Ltd, Samsung Electronics HK Co Ltd, Sony Corporation of HK Ltd, A Power Ltd, Digital Theme Ltd, Eagletec (Asia) Ltd, Lacie China Pte Ltd, Lexmark Int’l (China) Ltd, Magic-Pro Computer (Asia) Co Ltd, Microsoft HK, Ricoh HK Ltd and Super-8 Computer Co Ltd.

Details of the CRP have been uploaded on EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk. The public can also call 2838 3111 for enquiries.

Ends/Saturday, January 12, 2008