Green@Community, managed by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department (EPD), is a comprehensive community recycling network development project. As of May 2024, the project has established 11 recycling stations, 78 recycling stores, over 120 mobile recycling points, more than 70 smart recycling bins, and over 400 smart food waste machines throughout Hong Kong.
Historical Context
Since 1998, community recycling in Hong Kong has largely relied on over 16,000 roadside recycling bins for paper, metal, and plastic, supplemented by specific schemes for various recyclable materials for export. However, as recycling technology improved and environmental awareness grew, many environmental groups pointed out the inefficiencies, pollution issues, and management challenges associated with roadside bins.
Initial Implementation and Expansion
In response, the EPD launched a pilot scheme in 2013 by partnering with non-profit organizations to set up "Community Recycling Stations" in five districts. The 2014 policy address further expanded this initiative to all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The project was rebranded as "Green@Community," with the first recycling station, "Green in Sha Tin," opening in April 2015. Despite initial slow development, by 2020, Hong Kong had nine district recycling stations and 22 smaller community recycling centers, which faced issues of remote locations and limited coverage.
Introduction of Smart Recycling System
On November 16, 2020, the EPD introduced the smart recycling system pilot plan, launching the “Green Rewards” points program. This system allows residents to earn points for recycling at various centers, redeemable for daily necessities. The branding of Green@Community was modernized, including the rebranding of community recycling stations to "recycling stations" and smaller centers to "recycling stores." The initiative also introduced weekly "mobile recycling points," "community smart recycling vehicles," and "recycling outreach teams."
Subsequent Developments
Despite the initial success of the "community smart recycling vehicles," their utility was later repurposed towards public education and specialized collection from housing estates. The limited space and manpower led to the introduction of smart recycling bins. Various pilot projects were also integrated into the Green@Community brand for better community reach, notably the installation of smart food waste machines in public and private housing estates.
Expected Growth and Integration
With the anticipated implementation of a waste levy in 2024, the Environmental and Ecology Bureau predicted increased demand for Green@Community services. The bureau announced plans to expand the recycling network to 50 public housing estates and significantly increase the number of recycling points and smart food waste machines, aiming for over 800 locations. The plan also includes converting existing refuse collection points to new recycling locations.
Operational Model
Brand Symbol
The Green@Community brand is symbolized by the character green, combined with the numerical representation "6" and the recycling symbol, representing infinite "green" initiatives. This branding aims to integrate into the public consciousness, akin to the colloquial naming of convenience stores.
Facility Definitions
The Government classifies several types of facilities under the Green@Community network:
- Recycling Stations: Regional hubs offering basic recycling services, environmental education, and support.
- Recycling Stores: Smaller points providing basic recycling services, usually located in rented spaces or community centers.
- Mobile Recycling Points: Operate at fixed times and locations weekly, providing flexible street-level recycling.
- Smart Recycling Bins: Automated bins located in housing estates.
- Smart Food Waste Machines: Automated bins designated for food waste collection in housing estates.
Facility names typically follow the "Green@" prefix, with stations named after one of the 18 districts and stores named after more specific neighborhoods or estates. Each facility may be operated by different non-profits and has its own social media presence for communication.
Recyclable Materials
Currently, Green@Community accepts nine categories of recyclable materials: waste paper, metal, plastic bottles, other plastics, glass bottles, regulated electronic waste (“four appliances and one brain”), small appliances, rechargeable batteries, and energy-saving lamps. Additionally, beverage cartons were later included as a separate category. The program also considers textiles, barbecue forks, and food waste under its broader waste reduction goals.
Recycling Process
Residents must clean, disassemble, and sort recyclables before bringing them to a recycling point. Recyclables are weighed using electronic scales, and smart recycling bins also offer automated weighing. Points are awarded based on weight, with higher incentives for plastic and glass bottles due to their environmental impact. Residents then deposit recyclables in designated bins, and staff handle further sorting and storage. Filled containers are collected by contracted recyclers.
Food Waste Collection
Public housing residents collect food waste in special bins provided by the housing estate. These are then deposited in smart food waste machines, which track the weight of the waste. Points are awarded based on the first load of the day.
Related Programs
In 2023, the "Plastic-Free Rewards" scheme was introduced, incorporating the Green Rewards points mechanism to encourage waste reduction at the source rather than solely focusing on material recycling.
By continuously expanding and refining the Green@Community network, the EPD aims to enhance recycling efficiency, foster environmental awareness, and manage waste more effectively across Hong Kong.
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