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Press Release
Forum on Source Separation of Commercial and Industrial Waste held
The Forum on Source Separation of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Waste and a certificate presentation ceremony held by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 20) received an encouraging response from participants.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Ms Anissa Wong, said she was pleased to see the active participation of property management companies in the "Source Separation Programme of Commercial and Industrial Waste".
The programme, launched in October last year, aims to recruit C&I buildings with "source separation" mechanisms in place that enable the tenants or occupants to take part in waste recovery and recycling in their workplace.
The initial results are encouraging. As at January this year, some 350 C&I buildings, including commercial and government office buildings, shopping arcades, industrial buildings, warehouses and carparks, had signed up to the programme.
"Although recovery for C&I waste has been maintained at a relatively high level of some 60% over the years, sustained economic growth is starting to induce a rise in the generation and disposal of C&I waste," Ms Wong said.
At the forum, "model members" shared their successful experience in source separation. Among them were management companies of office buildings, industrial/office buildings and industrial buildings or godowns which had succeeded in increasing the categories and quantity of recycled items while reducing the quantity of waste.
While congratulating some 220 C&I buildings which received certificates, Ms Wong took the opportunity to call upon everyone in the community to support waste reduction and recovery.
"I urge your continuous support in disseminating the message of source separation to your clients and colleagues. This will help build up our joint efforts in tackling the waste problem in Hong Kong," said Ms Wong.
Meanwhile, the EPD has prepared a new dedicated website (www.wastereduction.gov.hk) on the programme for the public and the property management sector. It covers successful cases from "model members" and tips and reference materials on waste recovery practices in the workplace.
Ends/Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Plate 1. Officiating guests: Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Ms Anissa Wong, President of the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, Mr. Kendrew Leung and General Manager of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr. Frank Leung with the speakers and representatives from the Model Members
Plate 2. Around 250 participants attended the Forum to share their experience in source separation
Plate 3. Some 220 Commercial & Industrial buildings were awarded certificates to commend their contribution to waste recovery and recycling
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