EPD cancels beverage carton treatment service contract
******************************************************
In response to earlier public concern over the possible suspension of beverage carton recycling service after June 30 this year due to the possible discontinuation of service by a beverage carton recycler, the EPD invited quotations on March 13 for a service contract for beverage carton treatment with effect from July 1. The service contract, which covers the storage and treatment of beverage cartons collected at the GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities under the EPD, is set to ensure a stable recycling chain for beverage cartons in Hong Kong before a large-scale modern pulping facility in EcoPark, Tuen Mun, commences operation in 2025. The arrangement can also encourage members of the public to keep recycling beverage cartons, in preparation for the implementation of the upcoming Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) on beverage cartons. The relevant PRS bill is expected to be introduced into the Legislative Council by the end of this year or early next year at the earliest.
The EPD recently learnt that the beverage carton recycling plant concerned had found a suitable site in Hong Kong for relocation and continued operation, with a tenancy going beyond 2025. In view of the latest development and the progress of the relevant PRS, the EPD believed that the local recycling chain for beverage cartons will remain stable without the Government's intervention. It thus decided to cancel the service contract for beverage carton treatment and let the relevant services continue to be operated under a market-led approach, with a view to enabling a smooth transition into the implementation of the PRS on beverage cartons under the same approach. The EPD will continue to closely monitor the operation and development of beverage carton recycling.
The EPD has received a total of seven quotations for the beverage carton treatment service contract, and is pleased to learn that more than one company is available in the market that can treat beverage cartons with different technologies. With the EPD's consent, operators of the recycling facilities under GREEN@COMMUNITY can hand over the beverage cartons collected to any recyclers in the market with the appropriate technology for proper treatment.
Ends/Thursday, July 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
NNNN