Tsuen Wan food recycling 'won't add to shops' burden'

The Environmental Protection Department recently confirmed that a forthcoming food waste recycling pilot program aimed at street shops in Tsuen Wan will not increase the merchants' workload. The initiative, slated to commence in September, will encompass more than 100 street-level establishments spread across sections of Chuen Long and Ho Pui streets, Yeung Uk Road, and the entirety of San Tsuen Street.

Speaking on an RTHK radio program, senior environmental protection officer Mok Yee-ting explained that the targeted area, primarily comprising fruit, vegetable, fish, and meat vendors, has a subpar recycling rate, which dropped between November and January due to the distant location of the existing public food waste collection point.

During the six-month pilot program, the department plans to establish three additional collection points, each equipped with two 120-litre bins accessible from 9am to 9pm. Mok anticipates that the new measure will not impose an excessive burden on the shops, as their food waste consists of straightforward items. Proper segregation of waste, she believes, will not significantly escalate their sorting and recycling responsibilities.

To maintain hygiene and prevent odors, contractors will retrieve the recycling bins upon collection. The department also intends to intensify efforts to educate store operators about the food waste recycling initiative throughout the pilot period. Mok further stated that the department will evaluate usage and solicit stakeholder feedback at the conclusion of the pilot scheme to devise a sustainable and replicable operational model to facilitate broader participation among street stores in recycling food waste.