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Stranded waste to leave Hong Kong
The plastic waste earlier rejected by China and stranded in Hong Kong will be returned shortly to the United States for disposal, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announces today (Saturday).
EPD has requested the assistance of Swire BFI Waste Services Limited, which was not involved in the export of this material, in finding a solution to the problem.
As a result, Swire BFI has offered, in conjunction with their parent company, Browning-Ferris Industries, to provide an appropriate disposal solution.
Agreement has also been reached with Hong Kong trader, Chiang's Brothers Company, that they will make arrangement for the repackaging and transportation of the waste to the United States.
"The post consumer plastic waste was mixed with household waste to an extent that recycling was not considered suitable.
"Returning it to the exporting country for disposal is the best solution to this problem," Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Dr Ellen Chan, said.
"We also acknowledge the assistance by the United States Consulate in Hong Kong in liaising with relevant authorities regarding the return of the waste."
The 200-tonne plastic waste has to be rebaled and containerised before shipment, which will be carried out in two lots.
The first shipment is scheduled to leave Hong Kong this (Saturday) evening and the next shipment in about two weeks' time.
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