Hong Kong government takes greener approach to e-waste as new scheme puts onus on retailers to junk old appliances
Producer Responsibility Scheme allows public to have old fridges, washing machines and other household items taken away free of charge
The government launched a new scheme on August 1 requiring retailers to help customers dispose of old appliances when they buy new ones. Hongkongers who want to get rid of unwanted air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners and monitors can also contact a licensed recycler.
The regular service provided by government contractor Alba IWS is free as producers pay a recycling levy of between HK$15 and HK$165 per item to the government every quarter, which in turn pays the contractor about HK$200 million (US$25.5 million) per year.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is it? How does it work?
The Producer Responsibility Scheme requires sellers of certain regulated electrical equipment to arrange a free removal service for a customer’s old appliance when they buy a new one, so they can be delivered to a government-licensed recycler. As of July, three recyclers in Hong Kong, including Alba IWS, had been granted licenses. These recyclers are required to store, treat, reprocess or recycle the waste appliance. The aim of the scheme is to get sellers of these appliances to pay to help fund proper collection and disposal of e-waste.
