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ALBA IWS Launches the WEEE · PARK for E-waste Management and Recycling in Hong Kong

ALBA Integrated Waste Solutions (ALBA IWS) today officially launched WEEE · PARK, a state-of-the-art Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment and recycling facility located at EcoPark, Tuen Mun. The facility is owned by the Hong Kong Government and ALBA IWS will operate the plant on its behalf for next 10 years. WEEE · PARK is a landmark facility which supports the producer responsibility scheme (PRS) by facilitating the process of sustainably recycling and disposing of regulated electrical equipment (REE) in Hong Kong. It is expected that WEEE · PARK’s treatment capacity will be approximately 30,000 tonnes a year.

The opening of WEEE · PARK is an important milestone for the development of Hong Kong’s WEEE treatment ecosystem. WEEE · PARK adopts German advanced technologies to turn REE, which includes air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machine, televisions and computer products, into valuable secondary raw materials in a safe, proper, and sustainable manner. The hazardous components which remain in WEEE are handled carefully through a series of detoxification, dismantling, and recycling procedures.

“This is a milestone project for better recycling in Hong Kong”, highlighted Dr. Axel Schweitzer, CEO of the ALBA Group. “As one of the leading recycling companies of the world we are proud of being chosen as a partner by the Hong Kong government. For us, this is an incentive to continue supporting Hong Kong in its aim to establish more professional recycling.” Dr. Schweitzer identified three main benefits of WEEE · PARK: 1. The facility safely, properly, and sustainably converts WEEE into useful resources; 2. It facilitates the implementation of PRS by providing a one-stop solution for WEEE treatment; and 3. It raises public awareness on the importance of recycling and safely disposing of WEEE.

Dr. Schweitzer pointed out that WEEE · PARK is an internationally-accredited facility for quality and environmental management. It has green features, such as a rainwater harvesting system and solar water heating system. As a treatment facility that allows Hong Kong to recycle WEEE locally, Dr. Schweitzer foresees that WEEE · PARK will benefit future generations in Hong Kong.

At present, approximately 70,000 tonnes of WEEE is generated in Hong Kong every year. Hong Kong is one of the highest producers of e-waste in Asia. Currently, most WEEE in Hong Kong is exported to nearby developing countries, which are often disassembled in an unsafe manner which harms the environment and endangers human health. With the opening of the new facility, WEEE · PARK will enable Hong Kong to tackle its e-waste problem on a level that is on par with international standards.