Hong Kong Launches Waste-to-Energy Plant

Hong Kong's Environment Secretary Tse Chin-wan announced the upcoming launch of I·PARK1, a waste-to-energy plant aimed at advancing sustainable waste management and reducing reliance on landfills. The facility, located off Lantau Island, will incinerate rubbish to generate electricity, contributing to renewable energy goals while lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional landfills. Concurrently, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste released its third Solution Model playbook, which focuses on basic mechanical recycling of mixed plastic waste, advocating for accessible, low-technology methods to transform waste into valuable products. This playbook emphasizes the importance of collection and processing in achieving a circular economy for plastics, particularly beneficial for regions with limited recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department remains optimistic that transferring plastic recycling services to Green@Community will maintain or improve recycling rates, while also reducing operational costs. The new arrangement aims to streamline collection services, making recycling more efficient and effective for the community.