In Hong Kong, there is clearly a need to develop a more extensive recycling chain and comprehensive circular economy measures. Commercial & industrial solid waste, which comes from shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, markets in private housing estates as well as all industrial activities, but does not include construction and demolition waste, chemical waste or other special waste. Waste is one of Hong Kong’s most pressing environmental issues. For example, when organic waste decomposes in landfills, carbon dioxide and methane are released into the atmosphere. Producer responsibility schemes have also been put in place, under which everyone who produces waste pays the cost of its collection, recycling and proper disposal. Hong Kong has therefore commissioned a new waste incineration plant with a capacity to absorb 3 000 tonnes of waste per day – scheduled to come into operation in 2025. Indeed, prior to the infrastructural modernization of the 1950s, Hong Kong’s Urban Council had maintained a rather minimalist approach to waste management, relying exclusively on unregulated dumping sites that barely satisfied the basic requirements of a sanitary landfill. 3000 TPD Integrated Waste Management Facility off the coast of Shek Kwu Chau 2018-01-10 15:09:27 US$4bn Waste to Energy Deal for Keppel Seghers in Hong Kong Waste to energy and infrastructure firm Keppel The potential for additional organic waste recovery centres is recognised and there are plans for an. Clearly, a holistic approach –, including the resubmission of a draft for the waste disposal charge, – is needed to tackle the waste problem in Hong Kong. Waste Management in Hong Kong Presentation by Chan Yau Kei and Ho Ka Chun Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. 25% of this is construction waste and 71% is so-called municipal solid waste (MSW). The joint venture seeks waste management contracts in Hong Kong. The Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) aims to substantially reduce the bulk size of mixed MSW and to recover useful resources. On the commercial side, producers are taking up measures to reduce waste. However, in 2018, China imposed a ban on the import of certain types of waste, and as of January 1st  2021, a general ban on the import of foreign waste was enacted. Alternative solutions are urgently neede, d. The way waste is handled can have an impact on climate change in various ways. Each Share makes a difference and potentially gets our article in front of many times the number without shares. Find Environmental Science / Waste Management jobs and career opportunities in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has therefore commissioned a new waste incineration plant with a capacity to absorb 3 000 tonnes of waste per day – scheduled to come, are dumped into the three existing landfills per day. In the long run, we also need to formulate strategies to progressively move away from over-reliance on landfills.” Wong says that the Hong Kong government will “assume a more proactive role” in waste management, promoting various policies, particularly the MSW charging initiative. Part of the former Ma Yau Tong West Landfill site has been converted into sitting-out area which was opened to the public in September 2011. Municipal solid waste in Hong Kong includes the following sources: The amount of municipal solid waste generated each year in Hong Kong is enormous, given that the city houses over 7 million people and is a regional centre of commerce. For plastic recycling to be successful, the right kind of plastic is needed. Despite the fact that permits to import certain waste materials are still being issued and other materials are being reclassified, China’s ban has increased pressure on governments to roll out their own recycling plans and push their people towards a circular economy through limiting waste and pollution by keeping resources in circulation for a longer period. This feature article provided by the Hong Kong Government is about construction waste, how it is treated, the Government's waste management strategy, the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme and what you In 2019, 5.67 million tonnes were generated, of which 29% was recycled and the rest went to landfills. At the same time, their climate impact is substantial. If we add up the proportion of plastic bags, PET bottles and non-PET bottles within the MSW, we arrive at a total of 959 tonnes per day (equivalent to 8.7% of the total MSW) of easily recyclable plastics. A rapid expansion of the organic waste recovery and management infrastructure in Hong Kong can help to prevent large amounts of food waste – and with it the release of carbon dioxide and methane gas – from ending up in landfills. While food waste (30%) and plastics (21%) account for more than half of municipal solid waste, they play only a very minor role in recycled materials with 3% (food waste) and 5% (plastics) respectively. Given the scarcity of land, this would seem to be a favourable method to deal with waste in Hong Kong. Assuming Hong Kong expands its food waste recycling infrastructure to handle the entire 3 656 tonnes produced daily, this would generate up to 256 GWh of local renewable energy per year, which is equivalent to the yearly power consumption by some 55 000 households. This targeted Boosting – helps us to reach wider audiences – aiming to convince the unconvinced, to inform the uninformed, to enlighten the dogmatic. Disposal of single-use plastic is another big contributor, as its production is carbon-intensive at every step of its lifecycle. Today, this target seems virtually unattainable. What is Municipal Solid Waste? The most common way to dispose of waste in Hong Kong, its landfills, are expected to be filled in a few years, despite expansion measures underway. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Given the scarcity of land, this would seem to be a favourable method to deal with waste in Hong Kong. Environmental programmes for different sectors of society have been designed to change habits, especially in separating municipal solid waste at the source and in recycling. Waste and waste management create a number of challenges for the Hong Kong (HK) government. The management of solid waste is a complex and evolving process in Hong Kong. However, even with OPARK-2, well over 3000 tonnes of food waste per day will still be going into landfills. 3 Such a minimalist approach to waste management during the first half of the twentieth century stood in stark contrast to … The top three components of MSW are food waste (30%), paper (24%) and plastics (21%). Out of the recycled materials, make up the vast majority, while plastics and food waste account for only. Here you can learn about municipal solid waste, where we dispose of it, how landfills are being reused, and other ways in which waste is being managed. Hand-picked stories once a fortnight. Global Digital Limited Info Phone 5 Hanoi Road Kowloon Waste Management Waste Bins Party Supplies Party Costumes Mineral & Metal Stocks. A rapid expansion of the organic waste recovery and management infrastructure in Hong Kong can help to prevent large amounts of food waste – and with it the release of carbon dioxide and methane gas – from ending up in landfills. Opened in 1999, the golf driving range on part of the former Shuen Wan Landfill site at Ting Kok Road in Tai Po is the first recreational facility provided at a restored landfill. Additionally, recovering more food waste and turning it into biogas would help to increase the production of local renewable energy. Waterfront of the former Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill was developed into a cycle track cum footpath and was opened to the public in June 2012. However, due to environmental concerns and negative impacts on the local air quality, all plants were gradually shut down between 1991 and 1997. 25% of this is construction waste and 71% is so-called municipal solid waste (MSW). Adjacent to Lam Tin Park, the sitting-out area was opened to the public in early 2011. Waste management is usually a function of local government,and isoften acity’slargest budget item. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) comprises solid waste from households, commercial and industrial sources. The Government's primary objective is to reduce waste production and promote increased recycling. MSW, which is made up of domestic as well as commercial and industrial waste, is the “typical” waste. It will minimize the landfilling of waste significantly, thereby extending the useable life of landfills and their extensions in Hong Kong. Additionally, recovering more food waste and turning it into biogas would help to increase the production of local renewable energy. The EPD keeps regular statistics on each waste type, such as composition, quantity sent for disposal and quantity recycled. Hong Kong has the highest daily domestic waste generation rates per capita compared to other metropolitans in Asia: Metro Tokyo creates 0.77 kg per day per capita, Seoul generates 0.95 kg, Taipei City produces 1.00 kg and In 2019, Hong Kong stood at, , an increase of 11% compared to 2013, when the blueprint was published. Email: wilsonlu@ Hong Kong against actual waste disposal data of the corresponding year. The Park offers: Developed at the former Ngau Chi Wan Landfill site is Ngau Chi Wan Park. SUEZ NWS R&R (Hong Kong) Limited provides a complete waste management service, including municipal, commercial and industrial waste collection, urban cleansing,… This article will focus on highlighting possible short- to medium-term solutions that could help alleviate the waste problem and support the fight against climate change at the same time. The Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) aims to substantially reduce the bulk size of mixed MSW and to recover useful resources. In the meantime, however, the technology has developed and improved considerably, , can be used to produce electricity, and even, to further reduce the impact on the climate, . B. efore we focus on the different approaches, it is important to take a closer look at important aspects of the status quo: etween 1967 and 1997, Hong Kong had four waste incinerators in operation. Therefore, improved management of waste in general, including plastic, is essential for a sustainable development in Hong Kong. Why Hong Kong must act on better waste management: for starters, it can ease the housing crisis Wong has promised a basket of measures to help the public reduce waste… The second big chunk of waste, which accounts for a large share of the total MSW, but represents only a very small part of the recycled material, is food waste. So what would this mean for Hong Kong? We promise, no spam! Today, this target seems virtually unattainable. begin operation until after 2024.14 The current waste management system in Hong Kong, particularly with respect to recycling, falls short of the expectations of the public, media, and concerned groups. At the same time, their climate impact is substantial. Green Power (Hong Kong) Development Ltd. Info Phone Flat K 6/f Blk 4 Kwun Tong Ind Centre 436-446 Kwun Tong Rd. MSW, which is made up of domestic as well as commercial and industrial waste, is the “typical” waste. In terms of short- to medium-term solutions, the expansion of the existing and well-functioning plastic recycling infrastructure on site in Hong Kong would be a promising step. About ALBA IWS ALBA Integrated Waste Solutions (Hong Kong) Ltd. (ALBA IWS) is a joint venture company which was established between the recycling specialist ALBA Group from Germany and local solid waste management service provider Integrated Waste Solutions Group Holdings Limited. Domestic solid waste, which comes from households and public areas, including waste collected from residential buildings, litter bins, streets, marine areas and country parks. It will minimize the landfilling of waste significantly, thereby extending the useable life of landfills and their extensions in Hong Kong. The remaining 4% of the waste is special waste. It provided an overview of Hong Kong’s waste management, outlined the international experience in launching MSW Charge Schemes and explained the key issues such as operational matters and broad approaches of MSW Charging in seeking to introduce such as system in Hong Kong. At the same time, this also shows that there is no way around waste reduction. Of the municipal solid waste, 29% is recovered for recycling – so the actual total amount of waste produced is quite a bit larger than the 15 637 tonnes per day. In order to embed these two possible solutions into the overall situation, this article concludes with a small calculation. Alternative solutions are urgently needed. In the meantime, however, the technology has developed and improved considerably, can be used to produce electricity, and even carbon capture technology is piloted to further reduce the impact on the climate. However, according to waste statistics, a total of 3 656 tonnes of food waste are still transferred into Hong Kong’s landfills each day. Assuming Hong Kong expands its food waste recycling infrastructure to handle the entire 3 656 tonnes produced daily, this would generate up to 256 GWh of local renewable energy per year, which is equivalent to the yearly power consumption by some 55 000 households, Hong Kong Carbon Neutrality: Accelerating Electric Vehicles and Waterborne Mobility. Waste is one of Hong Kong’s most pressing environmental issues. The driving range provides: The site of the former Sai Tso Wan Landfill has been converted into a recreation ground that was opened in 2004. These challenges could be potential business opportunities for Dutch companies while contributing to a more livable and sustainable city. Waste Management. Hong Kong can count on existing and well-functioning infrastructure in this area, too: , an organic waste recovery centre in operation since 2018, is capable of handling over 200 tonnes of food waste each day and converting it into biogas, which can then be used for generating electricity. Disposal of single-use plastic is another big contributor, as its production is, carbon-intensive at every step of its lifecycle, even years ago, the Hong Kong Environment Bureau released its “, Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources, ,” which laid out the situation and set respective waste reduction targets for the amount of daily municipal solid waste (MSW) to fall below 0.8kg per person by 2022. The most common way to dispose of waste in Hong Kong, its landfills, are expected to be filled in a few years, despite expansion measures underway. The BMX Park offers: The site of the former Jordan Valley Landfill has been developed into Jordan Valley Park which was opened in 2010. In the densely populated Hong Kong, waste is a complex issue. The AA targets to reduce/recycle/recover 50% of all waste by 2021. The government has introduced waste management schemes and is working to educate the public on the subject. A win-win situation! However, due to environmental concerns and negative impacts on the local air quality, all plants were gradually shut down between 1991 and 1997. Our best stories direct to your inbox every fortnight. Swire Waste Management is a 50:50 joint venture with a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc. 2021 Internship Program Lu, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, HK SAR China. The top three components of MSW are, food waste (30%), paper (24%) and plastics (21%). It also reflects a vision to encourage positive change in people’s attitudes and behaviours towards waste In her 2020 Policy Address, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam outlined the city’s carbon neutrality 2050 target. The second big chunk of waste, which accounts for a large share of the total MSW, but represents only a very small part of the recycled material, is food waste. A rapid expansion of the organic waste recovery and management infrastructure in Hong Kong can help to prevent large amounts of food waste – and with it the release of carbon dioxide and methane gas – from ending up in landfills. PARK signifies the continuous drive to shape Hong Kong’s “waste-to-energy” ambitions for the good of the community. In December 2017, Keppel Seghers and Zhen Hua Engineering (Zhen Hua) were awarded a HKD 31 billion (about S$5.3 billion) contract by the Hong Kong government to design, build and operate an Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) off the coast of Shek Kwu Chau. Many of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers stand on reclaimed land, which was obtained amongst other things by using household and construction waste as fill material. As mentioned above, the total amount of plastic waste generated is much higher. Many countries are now building up their own waste disposal industry chain – especially for plastics. Part of the former Gin Drinkers Bay Landfill site has been developed into the Hong Kong Jockey Club International BMX Park which was opened in 2009. of Hong Kong’s recycled materials respectively. approaching capacity limits. For example, when organic waste decomposes in landfills, carbon dioxide and methane are released into the atmosphere. In 2019, Hong Kong stood at 1.47kg per person, an increase of 11% compared to 2013, when the blueprint was published. It has contracts to provide waste management services to seven outlying islands and to the north west New Territories. Thus, the amount of plastics recycled could be increased by about five times compared to today’s levels and by doing so could save huge amounts of CO2 by reducing the need for newly produced plastics. , which will be able to manage up to 300 tonnes of waste each day and is scheduled to open in 2022. Today, however, all actors involved see the problems of the large amounts of waste that are produced in Hong Kong every day. Here you can learn about municipal solid waste, where we dispose of it, how landfills are being reused, and other ways in which waste is being managed. Waste Management Waste Bins Agricultural Waste Waste Paper Textile Waste. Therefore, two possible solutions addressing these areas are proposed below: A look at Hong Kong’s recycling statistics reveals something astonishing: while most of the recycled paper or metal is exported for further recycling, of the 77 100 tonnes of plastic recycled annually, 74 400 tonnes (around 200 tonnes per day) are recycled locally – for example at EcoPark, a waste-sourcing industrial business park sponsored by the Hong Kong government. 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The current total amount of municipal solid waste of 11 057 tonnes being discharged into the already nearly exhausted landfills every day can be reduced by 3 000 tonnes per day through the planned waste incineration plant. In Hong Kong, 15 637 tonnes of waste are dumped into the three existing landfills per day. The Government has started converting restored landfills into recreational facilities such as recreational ground, sports facility, park, etc. Other actions include examining possible extensions of the existing landfills and identifying sites for new landfills. The government recognises that achieving neutrality will require a variety of measures, including expanding local renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in the building sector, promoting low-carbon mobility and improving waste management. The Park was fully opened to public in 2010 and offers: Part of the former Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill site has been converted into a sitting-out area. A cost-benefit analysis of C&D waste management throughout the waste chain: experiences from Hong Kong SAR of China Dr Wilson W.S. The objective of these measures is to build a future with less needless waste disposal. The Government has also developed an EcoPark, in which long term land is provided for establishment of recycling industries and environmentally friendly product manufacturing enterprises. This is the third article in a series of articles that takes a closer look at individual elements needed to achieve Hong Kong’s “Carbon Neutrality 2050” target – this time with a focus on improving waste management in Hong Kong. The major expansion of plastic recycling infrastructure as well as organic waste recovery centres could reduce this amount by 4 615 tonnes per day (959 tonnes of plastic per day + 3 656 tonnes of food waste per day). There are 13 closed landfills in Hong Kong and their restoration works were completed between 1997 and 2006 to minimise their potential adverse impacts to the environment and to render them safe for beneficial use. Before we focus on the different approaches, it is important to take a closer look at important aspects of the status quo: Since the 1980s, about half of the world’s recyclable plastics, paper and scrap metals had been absorbed by China. By 2019, its existing landfills are expected to be full. This shows that a waste disposal industry chain already exists, albeit it only recycles a small part of the total plastic waste. However, according to waste statistics, a total of 3 656 tonnes of food waste are still transferred into Hong Kong’s landfills each day. Hong Kong generates several different types of waste, and each has its own requirements for handling. – so the actual total amount of waste produced is quite a bit larger than the 15 637 tonnes per day. For plastic recycling to be successful, the right kind of plastic is needed. If we add up the proportion of plastic bags, PET bottles and non-PET bottles within the MSW, we arrive at a total of, 959 tonnes per day (equivalent to 8.7% of the total MSW). The validation serves to illustrate the limitations in one of the waste projection methods. This results in a residual of 3 442 tonnes per day, a whopping 69% reduction compared to the status quo. Our approach to waste management is to reduce the absolute amount of waste generated, facilitate waste separation at source to promote recycling, and explore other disposal options. The management of solid waste is a complex and evolving process in Hong Kong. Many of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers stand on reclaimed land, which was obtained amongst other things by using household and construction waste as fill material. Although 29% of municipal solid waste generated in Hong Kong is recycled, much more needs to be done. In Hong Kong, there is a Waste-to-energy (WTE) combustion facility under construction and it will be fully commissioned by 2024. Notice: This form is NOT intended for handling enquiries or complaints. Between 1967 and 1997, Hong Kong had four waste incinerators in operation. Thus, the amount of plastics recycled could be increased by about five times compared to today’s levels and by doing so could save huge amounts of CO2 by reducing the need for newly produced plastics. waste, such as banning single-use plastic items and setting more ambitious targets on waste reduction and recycling rates.5 1.2 In Hong Kong, while 14% of the plastic waste was recovered in 2016, most (99%) of such 1 In Dan Tsang | Waste Management, Biochar, Green Remediation, Water Resilience, Sustainable Engineering, Green Chemistry Daniel C.W. Today, however, all actors involved see the problems of the large amounts of waste that are produced in Hong Kong every day. The road to a circular economy is still long, but it is absolutely necessary for Hong Kong to get a grip on its waste problem and contribute to achieving its climate goals. Municipal solid waste in Hong Kong includes the following sources: Thus, from the energy recovery and sustainability perspective, WTE combustion is selected for MSW treatment, as the important part for sustainable FW management proposed by HKEPD ( HKEPD, 2017 ). West New Territories Landfill at Tuen Mun, North East New Territories Landfill at Ta Kwu Ling, Multi-purpose baseball cum soccer grass pitch for baseball or football, A 350 metre International Standard BMX track and a 60 metre development BMX cycling track, Radio-controlled model car racing circuit.