‘Reverse vending machines’ could dispense cash for used plastic bottles in Hong Kong to boost dismal recycling rate
Environment minister says idea one of a number being mulled to tackle the millions of drinks containers that go each day into overflowing landfills
“Reverse vending machines” that dispense cash rebates in return for used plastic bottles could soon hit the streets of Hong Kong, as officials seek ways to boost the city’s dismal recycling rate.
The proposal was put forward in a government study along with a “producer responsibility scheme”, which would make waste producers bear the cost of collection, recycling, treatment and disposal for their products.
Preliminary results from the study have been laid out in a consultation report commissioned by the Environment Bureau in which researchers advised the government to prioritise an incentive scheme for plastic bottles.
Environment minister Wong Kam-sing said offering consumers financial incentives to return bottles for recycling would help boost plastic waste recovery rates.
“In places overseas that have such systems, plastic bottle recycling rates have been exceptionally high – 50 per cent in some cases or even as high as 80 or 90 per cent in others,” Wong said on Sunday.