The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has presented a proposal to the Legislative Council for a "market-driven model" to recycle plastic beverage containers and paper drink boxes.
This plan targets products between 100 milliliters and 2 liters, requiring suppliers to use specific labels and report distribution volumes to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) every six months.
Large retail stores will need designated return points offering a rebate of at least HK$0.1 for each returned container. These points will identify registered products via barcodes.
Beverage suppliers are responsible for meeting statutory recycling targets, either managing their processes or hiring operators who must report recycling quantities to the EPD. The initial targets will be practical, with plans for gradual increases over 6 to 8 years.
To incentivize compliance, the government may impose fees on suppliers that fail to meet goals. Retailers must ensure that regulated products sold are registered, with only large stores required to set up return points.
Exemptions will be considered for exhibitors distributing small quantities of regulated products. A draft bill for the amendments will be submitted later this year.
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