US architect's recycling centre plan may help solve Hong Kong's waste woes
US architect proposes processing waste within neighbourhood buildings and integrating them with facilities such as flea markets and gardens
Thomas Schmidt, a founding member of the American Institute of Architects Hong Kong, has drawn up a conceptual plan of a low-rise complex that could serve as the focal point of collection and handling of waste generated from a neighbourhood.
The buildings, of up to six floors, would house recycling, community, leisure and educational activities under one roof.
Schmidt came up with the scheme as the saga over funding for the extension of landfills and an incineration plant continues in the legislature.
"The goal of such a centre would be to sort and process as much waste as close to source as possible and divert as much material away from landfill as possible," he said.
Schmidt said food composting could be done in the basement with odour prevention systems installed, and the ground level with a truck docking area could be used to receive material for sorting and recycling.
The upper floors could house a flea market for second-hand products and a repair shop for furniture and electronic goods. There could also be an "upcycling centre" - a retail gallery to display and sell recycled products - in the building.
