Environmental group finds that of 43 recycling stations questioned, 22 reject biodegradable plastics, 13 accept them and eight did not know

Legislative Council will discuss regulating single-use plastic tableware on Wednesday

Hong Kong’s largest government-funded collection network handles biodegradable plastics inconsistently, an environmental group has found, warning it will undermine residents’ recycling efforts.

The Green Earth, which made the discovery, called on authorities to issue guidelines as non-recyclable materials become more popular with consumers.

Last November, the group asked 43 of the 46 recycling stations under the [email protected] programme about their recycling guidelines for biodegradable plastics. It found that while staff at 22 centres rejected such materials, those at 13 accepted them, with eight responding that they were unclear about the instructions.

The group said it was concerned that with the increasing popularity of biodegradable plastic products, the lack of guidelines would compromise the overall quality of recycled goods.

“Frontline staff have little knowledge about whether biodegradable plastics can be recycled,” said Wenky Cheung Nga-ting, the group’s senior project officer.

Umbrella bags are largely made of biodegradable plastic. Photo: David Wong

Umbrella bags are largely made of biodegradable plastic. Photo: David Wong

Hong Kong’s largest government-funded collection network handles biodegradable plastics inconsistently, an environmental group has found, warning it will undermine residents’ recycling efforts.

The Green Earth, which made the discovery, called on authorities to issue guidelines as non-recyclable materials become more popular with consumers.

Last November, the group asked 43 of the 46 recycling stations under the [email protected] programme about their recycling guidelines for biodegradable plastics. It found that while staff at 22 centres rejected such materials, those at 13 accepted them, with eight responding that they were unclear about the instructions.

The group said it was concerned that with the increasing popularity of biodegradable plastic products, the lack of guidelines would compromise the overall quality of recycled goods.

Recycling bins in Wan Chai. Photo: Dickson Lee

Recycling bins in Wan Chai. Photo: Dickson Lee

“Frontline staff have little knowledge about whether biodegradable plastics can be recycled,” said Wenky Cheung Nga-ting, the group’s senior project officer.

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“The Environmental Protection Department lacks clear guidance on how to deal with biodegradable plastic products.”

Biodegradable plastics refer to polymers that can break down into carbon dioxide and water, usually by the action of living organisms, such as through composting or hydrolysis. They can be petroleum-based or produced naturally by plants or bacteria.

Since additives are mixed in during production to speed up their decomposition, the impurities would undermine the recycling process.