2017 Recyclers' Forum – Management and Innovation in Recycling Operations

The HKBU Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment (ARCPE) and the Hong Kong Recycling Chamber of Commerce jointly organised the 2017 Recyclers’ Forum to explore new possibilities for the local recycling industry. This year, the forum was themed “Management and Innovation in Recycling Operations” and was officiated by the Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection Mr Donald Tong; the Chairman of Hong Kong Recycling Chamber of Commerce Mr Kwok Chun-sing; and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund Mr Jimmy Kwok.

Guest speakers shared their insights on the way forward for the sustainable development of the recycling industry in Hong Kong, with the hope of providing fresh inspiration for this industry.

In his conclusion, the Director of ARCPE Professor Jonathan Wong highlighted the importance of collaboration by the Government, the recyclers and the public in taking successful waste reduction initiatives. He said that recycling companies could launch a brand-building exercise to establish a more professional and innovative image for the industry. In addition, he encouraged increased communication between recyclers and the Government and called for consideration of initiatives taken by governments in Mainland, Germany and Taiwan in collecting and treating recyclers’ waste materials instead of just offering government subsidies.

Professor Wong also suggested that a clearer division of work should be established in which the large recycling companies develop networks with small and medium recyclers to maintain efficient waste collection systems, the goal being a healthy, win-win situation for the industry.