Some Hong Kong residents have expressed doubts that a new government programme to promote recycling will motivate more people to adopt the practice, with many saying they had no knowledge of the new campaign. The Environmental Protection Department on Friday announced that residents who dropped off designated recyclables at the government’s Green@Community recycling locations would receive six times the normal amount of points under its “Green$” programme. The Post visited a Green@Community recycling facility in Tin Hau on Saturday and observed nearly three dozen people dropping off items over the span of about 30 minutes.
Those who spoke to the Post said recycling was part of their regular routine and they only learned about the new campaign when they arrived at the facility. “I had no idea about these credits,” said Carina Nelson, who was dropping off plastic, glass and some waste paper. The 59-year-old textile consultant said she brought her waste to recycling stations about twice a week, but added she had never used the Green$ programme and was not interested in the promotion.
“To me it’s part of your citizen’s duty to recycle, whether there is an incentive or not,” she said. The Green$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme was launched in 2020 and awards residents 10 points for each kilogram of recyclables they drop off at designated sites. Points can be redeemed for small items such as noodles, rice, cooking oil and towels.
Housewife Raphaela Leung.
