Waste Reduction and Recovery Factsheet No.

2.
Recovery and Recycling of Waste Paper in Hong Kong
2.1 Situation in 2009 About 1 030 thousand tonnes of waste paper were recovered in Hong Kong. The quantity of paper recovered in 2009 shows a decrease of about 64 thousand tonnes (or 6%) as compared with 2008. The recovered waste paper was exported to the Mainland and other countries for recycling (Figure 1). For those exported, all were transported by sea (Figure 2). A major portion of these materials were handled in the 3 Public Cargo Working Areas in Chai Wan, Kwun Tong and Tuen Mun. 2.2 Local Waste Paper Recovery and Recycling Industry

Figure 1 Countries/Areas to which Local Waste Paper was Exported by Quantity in 2009

Mainland (98.2%)

Others Philippines (0.5%) (1.3%)

Figure 2 Mode of Transport for the Exported Paper Waste by Quantity in 2009
River Trade (59.7%)

According to the Environmental Protection Department's data, there are around 240 waste paper collectors in Hong Kong. Lists of local waste paper collectors and recyclers are available through the Recycling Helpline at 2838 3111 and the Hong Kong Waste Reduction Website of the Environmental Protection Department at: https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/quickaccess/vicinity.htm The waste paper collected will be separated by types including the high value waste paper (e.g. white paper and computer printout), old corrugated cardboard, newspapers and other mixed paper. The sorted waste paper will then be compressed and baled for export to the Mainland and other countries for recycling.

Ocean Going (40.3%)

Note: Ocean going includes sea transport to all other countries/places. River trade refers to transport by vessels in and near Hong Kong waters, the Pearl River and other inland waterways in Guangdong and Guangxi which are accessible from waters in the vicinity of Hong Kong.

2. Recovery and Recycling of Waste Paper in Hong Kong

Figure 3 Composition of Waste Paper Disposed of as Municipal Solid Waste in 2009

2.3

Composition of Waste Paper

Waste paper in municipal solid waste disposed of at landfill are composed of cardboard, newsprint, office paper and others such as drink pack (tetrapak), tissue paper, etc (see Figure 3). To enhance the recovery rate of waste paper, the public is encouraged to recover their waste paper for recycling. In Hong Kong, types of paper that can be recycled are listed below:
DO RECYCLE
Office paper (e.g. letterhead, copy paper, business forms) and photocopies Newspaper Index cards Colour paper Computer printouts Envelopes and folders (remove adhesive flaps and plastic windows) Standard business cards Brochures, magazines, newsletters, unclassified reports, books and telephone directories (remove plastic covers, plastic-coated paper and ring binders) Corrugated cardboard and toilet roll cartridges Packaging paperboard (if not on plastic-coated paper)

DON'T RECYCLE
Adhesive removable notes

Thermal fax paper Overhead transparencies Carbon paper Blueprint paper Lunch boxes, paper cups or plates Cellophane Plastic- or wax-coated paper (e.g. milk cartons, candy wrappers, photocopy paper wrappers and drink boxes) Napkins, tissue, paper towel Film

Baled Newspaper

Export of Old Corrugated Cardboard by Barges

Self adhesive stickers or those with glue or tape Foil gift wraps Paper or cardboard that is contaminated with paint, chemicals, food, etc.

Waste Reduction and EcoPark Group Environmental Protection Department November 2010