Officials Promote Food Waste Recycling and Encourage Voting Ahead of December 7 Legislative Council Election

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Deputy Director of Environment Protection (Waste Reduction), Mr Kenneth Cheng, inspected the operation of the Trial Scheme on Food Waste Recycling Truck (Trial Scheme) in Central and Western District on November 17 and promoted food waste recycling to the public. They took the opportunity to call on the public to cast their votes in the Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election on December 7.

Dr Chui said, "The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been continuously enhancing the food waste recycling network, and strengthening publicity and education to encourage more people to participate in food waste recycling. Currently, there are more than 1 500 food waste recycling facilities set up in premises including public rental housing estates and private residential estates. Since last year, the EPD has been strategically setting up around 250 public food waste recycling points across all districts. Among these, the Food Waste Recycling Spots that operate at night time provide busy citizens with convenient recycling outlets for food waste. Under the newly launched Trial Scheme, a recycling truck visits various locations every evening to promote food waste recycling, allowing members of the public to learn about and experience food waste recycling for themselves. We hope this make it convenient for people to practise green living."

The Trial Scheme was rolled out first in Central and Western District last month. A food waste recycling truck operates from 6.30pm to 10.30pm every night, visiting four designated locations in the district to promote waste separation at source and proper ways of food waste recycling, and provide a convenient outlet for the public to recycle food waste. The four designated locations are:

MacDonnell Road, Mid-levels (near Silvercrest): 6.30pm to 7.15pm

Parking Area outside Exit C of Sai Ying Pun MTR Station: 7.40pm to 8.25pm

Praya Kennedy Town,Kennedy Town (near Brilliant Court): 8.45pm to 9.30pm

New Praya Kennedy Town,Kennedy Town (near Ka On Building): 9.45pm to 10.30pm

Including the Trial Scheme, the number of night-time Food Waste Recycling Spots has reached 104 (see annex). Operating at fixed times and locations during evening hours close to residential and dining areas, these recycling points facilitate nearby residents and eateries to dispose of food waste at night and develop recycling habits.

Through the implementation of various measures, the amount of food waste recycled has been on the rise in recent years. The overall food waste recycled has reached 340 tonnes per day, doubling the figure of 2023. In particular, the amount of domestic food waste recycled significantly increased from 7 tonnes per day in 2023 to about 130 tonnes per day currently.

Dr Chui and Mr Cheng introduced the Trial Scheme to the residents on-site and listened to their feedback on the EPD's recycling services. They also called on the public to support the LegCo General Election on December 7.

Dr Chui said, "I urge everyone to exercise their civic responsibilities with their families by casting their votes on December 7. Let’s elect outstanding individuals with an affection for the country and Hong Kong to contribute to the future development of the city."

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEP inspects operation of food waste recycling truck and calls on public to cast votes in Legislative Council General Election Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images