Hong Kong Officials Urge to Send Back Styrofoam Waste to Mainland

The amount of styrofoam waste reportedly thrown to Hong Kong from the mainland were questioned by lawmakers during the weekly legislative council (LegCo) meeting on May 18.

Around 120,000 styrofoam boxes containing vegetables and fruits weighing about 48 tonnes arrive in the city every day. According to a report, LegCo council member Gary Chan said appropriate authorities must take action on these styrofoam boxes in terms of the environmental protection policy. Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing said Hong Kong officials are in contact with mainland authorities about returning the boxes after disinfection.

Wong mentioned that the department financially supports local styrofoam recycling projects. He also added the importance of balancing investment in recycling machinery because the supply of styrofoam is temporary and may deplete eventually.