Background and Objective
In Hong Kong, the Reverse Vending Machines (“RVMs”) Pilot Scheme has significantly boosted the recycling rates of plastic beverage bottles. To support the Government's plan for Producer Responsibility Schemes (“PRSs”) for plastic beverage bottles and cartons, it is crucial to build on the success of the RVM Pilot Scheme by expanding the collection system to include beverage cartons. The implementation of the multi-stream RVMs, which can collect both beverage containers and cartons in a single machine, provides users with a convenient and incentivised method to recycle.
Business Environment Council Limited (“BEC”) is inviting shopping malls to join the "Environment and Conservation Fund BEC Beverage Bottles & Cartons: Return to Renew" (the “Project”) by providing publicly accessible spaces for the operation of multi-stream RVMs to enhance the recycling of plastic beverage bottles and cartons. The Project will span 18 months, commencing with a 2-month preparation phase, followed by a 15-month operational phase, and concluding with a 1-month evaluation phase that includes a closing ceremony. The Project will incorporate different types of indirect monetary incentives, such as mobile app points or vouchers, to encourage recycling behaviour among the public. By implementing these measures, the Project aims to significantly improve recycling rates and foster a more sustainable waste management system in Hong Kong.
Participant’s Role
In this Project, participants are required to technically support BEC in installation and setup of multi-stream RVMs via:
- Providing a suitable and publicly accessible space within premises for installation, operation and cleaning of RVM;
- Providing access to RVM for routine maintenance and beverage container collection;
- Allowing seamless delivery from vehicle unloading floor to the designated spot, ensuring no stairs are involved;
- Supplying individual socket (with 13A fuse) for power supply to RVM and be responsible to operation related cost, such as electricity;
- Providing steady Wi-Fi for connection if possible or the location should be capable of receiving steady mobile network signal via SIM card; and
- Assisting in communication with customers and tenants at participating premises in the engagement programme.
Potential Benefits
Through participating the Project, participants can benefit in terms of:
- Collecting valuable data on recycling habits to tailor their waste management strategies more effectively;
- Enhancing recycling rates for plastic bottles and beverage cartons by providing a convenient collection method and offering incentives;
- Connecting the premises’ own incentive program or reward system (e.g. the venue owner’s mobile APP) to provide incentive for the collected plastic bottles and cartons in order to attract more customers;
- Raising public awareness and encourage persistent behavioural changes on recycling beverage plastic bottles and beverage cartons; and
- Showcasing the premise’s leadership in contribution to the circular economy and waste management.
Specifications of the RVM
The following specifications of the multi-stream RVM are to be referenced when evaluating the suitability of the designated location within the premises:
- Dimension: approximate 1000mm(W) x 1000mm(L) x 2000mm(H)
- Language: Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English
- Power input: 220V, 1 phase, 50 Hz, 10A
- Power Consumption: Idle 60W, Max. 1300W
It is expected that the Project will be commenced in Q4 2025. After the operation phase, we will organise a closing ceremony to conclude the project and share data analysis findings with stakeholders. As an exemplar on good waste management, your company is cordially invited to participate in the Project. Please indicate your interest in participating in the Project by returning the filled reply slip for retail outlets / reply slip for shopping malls on or before 31 May 2025.
We thank you in advance for your participation and support in the Project, and leading Hong Kong on its way to gaining recognition in resources management.
Any enquiries regarding to the EOI shall be made in writing to Ms Sherman Mak via email shermanmak@bec.org.hk.