Embracing greener final farewells

The desire to return to nature is one shared by many, not least when it comes to post-funeral arrangements. Tapping into a growing trend, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has in recent years stepped up efforts to promote green burials, where remains are returned directly to the earth, or scattered at sea.

Tranquil setting: The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department currently manages 13 Gardens of Remembrance, with Tsang Tsui being the largest.

The department’s endeavours include organising tours of facilities such as the Tsang Tsui Columbarium & Garden of Remembrance in Tuen Mun. On one such tour recently, elderly participants shared their thoughts on green burials as an eco-friendly end-of-life choice.

Besides explore the facility and its services, the visit gave them the chance to reflect on their approach to life’s final journey. In fact, several remarked that they had already received the full support of their families in their wish for a green burial.

Tranquil setting

Visiting the Garden of Remembrance for the first time, 82-year-old Lee Yuk-sim described its seaside setting as open and tranquil. “The sound of waves lifts my spirits,” she said.

Ms Lee wishes to have her ashes scattered along the garden’s pebble path, however. Despite her love for the ocean, following a heart-to-heart conversation with her daughters she decided scattering at sea was not an option for her.

“I once told my daughters, ‘I love the sea.’ They replied, ‘The sea is full of swimmers, and every time we pass by it, we will think of you, and we don’t want that.’ Then they said, ‘The Garden of Remembrance is different. It is about dust returning to dust, earth to earth.”

Meanwhile, 87-year-old Choi Sau-ling, also on her first visit to the Garden of Remembrance, found it strikingly different from what she had expected.

“There were rumours that stray dogs and cats might disturb the ashes, but that is a complete misconception,” she said. “The truth is that the Garden of Remembrance is absolutely beautiful, with a sea view.”

Ms Choi highlighted that the garden’s peaceful atmosphere makes it both an ideal resting place and a convenient site for families to pay their respects.

“It is breezy and uncrowded, like wandering in a garden,” she commented. “It hits differently. Without the need to burn incense or make extra preparations, the experience feels lighter for everyone.”

Due consideration: Guided tour participants Lee Yuk-sim (left), Cheng Ting-fai (centre) and Choi Sau-ling say they have the full support of their families in choosing green burials.

Dignified farewell

Cheng Ting-fai, 87, had already made trips to the Gardens of Remembrance in Diamond Hill and Cape Collinson before visiting Tsang Tsui. He said he had also spoken to his children about his wish to have his ashes scattered.

“Placing ashes in an urn is almost like trapping them. There is no sense of freedom, and over time no-one may be around to look after them.”

Mr Cheng described scattering ashes in a Garden of Remembrance as a better option. “The ashes can bask in the sunshine, and experience the changing weather,” he explained.

He also expressed his hope that all 18 districts in Hong Kong can have a Garden of Remembrance. “Born here, raised here, and laid to rest here. How wonderful is that?”

At present, those choosing green burials can have their ashes scattered at either of three designated maritime areas or in one of the Gardens of Remembrance.

The department manages 13 Gardens of Remembrance, with Tsang Tsui being the largest. The site also features a ceremonial hall where simple memorial services can be held before the scattering of ashes.

The garden’s layout includes a boat-shaped wooden artwork, helping to create a symbolic space of transition. Visitors are invited to inscribe dedication cards with heartfelt messages, giving their loved ones a dignified farewell.

Meanwhile, a fourteenth garden – the Shek Mun Columbarium & Garden of Remembrance – is expected to open for use in the third quarter of this year.

Burgeoning interest: FEHD Senior Health Inspector Alan Li says that more than 15,800 names were registered in the Green Burial Central Register as of the end of May.

Growing trend

Moving away from traditional funeral customs is no easy transition, but – thanks in no small part to the Government’s promotional efforts – green burial, as a sustainable means of handling ashes, has been gaining wider acceptance in society.

FEHD Senior Health Inspector Alan Li said that, as of the end of May, more than 15,800 names were registered in the Green Burial Central Register.

“About 70% of deceased registrants had their ashes disposed of in the form of green burial. Even if there is no prior registration, descendants can still adopt green burial for the deceased.”

The department stated that green burials accounted for a record-high 18.2% of disposals last year, with 8,522 individuals’ remains being scattered in Gardens of Remembrance and 1,032 at sea.

To enhance the sea burial experience, the FEHD has upgraded its free ferry service, available every Saturday, by introducing a new vessel design.

Ongoing commitment: FEHD Chief Health Inspector Daniel Lam says the department will continue to enhance green burial facilities and promote after-death planning through the “School of Life” programme.

Public education

Meanwhile, in August of last year the department launched a large-scale “School of Life” programme that explores life’s closing chapters and sustainable options for being laid to rest.

The programme includes a “Life & Death Expo”, showcasing support services for ageing and end-of-life planning, as well as community walking tours that encourage reflection on life’s transitions. These initiatives have attracted around 5,000 participants so far, and people of all ages are welcome to take part.

The department also arranges green burial talks, guided tours to Gardens of Remembrance, and community tours, with these activities engaging more than 20,000 citizens to date.

FEHD Chief Health Inspector Daniel Lam said the department will continue to enhance green burial facilities, promote advance planning for after-death arrangements through the “School of Life” programme, and strengthen public education and publicity, in order to gradually establish green burial as the common practice for handling ashes.

Learning experience: Elderly citizens explore green burial facilities at the Tsang Tsui Columbarium & Garden of Remembrance in Tuen Mun during a guided tour of the site organised by the FEHD.

Street hygiene and anti-rodent work are key aspects of the Government’s district governance, with the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) playing a significant role.

Accurate monitoring: Thermal imaging cameras capture images from 7pm to 7am over three consecutive nights and artificial intelligence analysis of the thermal images then enables Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) staff to identify the presence of rodents precisely. Image source: news.gov.hk

Cleaning tech

A recent inspection carried out in Tsuen Wan highlighted the department’s progress, with the use of advanced cleaning technologies and enhanced pest control measures.

FEHD outsourced cleansing workers used a newly introduced pressure washer surface cleaner to thoroughly remove stubborn stains from the streets. 

One of the workers, Chu Chui-yin noted that using the cleaner instead of the previous method of dragging hoses to wash the streets meant they were able to work more efficiently while also obtaining a better cleaning result.

“What’s more, the cleaner is light, handy and uses less water, which makes our work much easier than the former practice of scrubbing the streets hard to clean the stains.”

Efficient process: By using a pressure washer surface cleaner, cleansing workers can more effectively remove stubborn stains from the pavement. Image source: news.gov.hk

Waste management

In an effort to maintain the cleanliness of the city’s alleyways, the department has rolled out a trial scheme to regulate the disposal of waste generated by food premises.

Under specific conditions, food premises are permitted to place large containers in adjacent back alleys for storing waste, which are then collected by cleaning workers hired by the premises.

Department personnel regularly inspect these areas to ensure proper waste management, while strict enforcement targets illegal dumping and clutter in back alleys. 

Stringent checks: FEHD staff regularly inspect the alleyways behind restaurants to ensure proper waste management. Image source: news.gov.hk

Positive response

Chairman of the Tsuen Wan South Area Committee William Chan lauded the initiative.

“After the implementation of the programme on the black spots, the FEHD has proactively tackled the problem, resulting in a marked improvement in the hygiene conditions of the community.

“Streets are clean and hygienic, rear lanes are free from piles of miscellaneous items and stubborn stains, and the condition of road surfaces has improved. Both traders and residents have reported a drastic reduction in rodent sightings.”

Recent data showed a substantial increase in the number of rodents caught in 2024. Across the city, approximately 89,600 live rodents were captured - about 40% more than in 2023.

Near Hau Tei Square in Tsuen Wan, around 270 rodents were caught in 2024, a threefold increase from the 89 recorded in 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of new control measures.

Efforts recognised: Chairman of the Tsuen Wan South Area Committee William Chan says the FEHD’s work in tackling blackspots has resulted in a marked improvement in the hygiene conditions of the community. Image source: news.gov.hk

AI support

Apart from traditional trapping and baiting, the FEHD has introduced thermal imaging cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology as a more accurate means of detecting rodent activity.

FEHD Chief Health Inspector (Tsuen Wan) So Yeung-fung explained that the cameras capture images from 7pm to 7am over three consecutive nights. AI analysis of the thermal images then enables staff to identify the presence of rodents more precisely than conventional methods such as searching for gnaw marks on sweet potato bait. 

“Staff can get a clear picture of the rodents’ activities and their dispersal routes at the locations concerned, which enables them to take more appropriate anti-rodent actions.”

Community collaboration: The FEHD works with estate property management companies to encourage community participation in daily rodent control efforts. Image source: news.gov.hk

Fruitful partnership

Community involvement remains a key component of success. The FEHD partners with property management companies to promote participation in routine anti-rodent efforts.

Management Office of Tsuen Wan Plaza Anti-rodent Liaison Ambassador Ran Lau pointed out that the Anti-rodent Charter launched by the FEHD has already yielded good results.

“Since our estate signed the charter in February this year, the FEHD has deployed staff to our estate to provide free technical support and offer professional advice on our rodent prevention and control measures, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of rodent prevention.

“Our liaison ambassadors have also attended seminars organised by the FEHD to keep abreast of new anti-rodent information and exchange our experience with other estate management offices, thereby increasing rodent prevention capability in the community.”