Hong Kong widens paper recycling to bags and packaging as local pulping ramps up

Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department widened its paper recycling programme from Thursday to take paper bags, packaging boxes and wrapping paper, in addition to cardboard, newspaper and office paper. Since a pulping facility at EcoPark in Tuen Mun began operating in July, daily waste paper collection has reached a record 1,608 tonnes this month. The designated procurement price that operators must pay has risen to over USD 164 (HKD 1,290) per tonne from USD 153 (HKD 1,200) in July.

Why this mattersLocal pulping backed by floor prices for collectors cuts Hong Kong's reliance on waste paper exports and keeps more recovered fibre at home.

• Recycling of paper bags, packaging boxes and wrapping paper starts Thursday.
• The EcoPark pulping facility in Tuen Mun began operating in July 2026.
• Daily waste paper collection reached a record 1,608 tonnes this month, 4% above last year's average.
• The designated procurement price rose from USD 153 (HKD 1,200) per tonne in July to over USD 164 (HKD 1,290) per tonne.
• Frontline collectors have a guaranteed minimum purchase price of USD 0.08 (HKD 0.65) per kilogram.
• The Waste Paper Pulping and Export Services contract requires operators to buy at or above the designated prices.

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