2026 Peach Blossom Trees Recycling Programme Launches to Promote Yard Waste Recovery and Recycling

EPD to launch 2026 Peach Blossom Trees Recycling Programme

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 16) announced the details of the 2026 Peach Blossom Trees (PBTs) Recycling Programme (2026 Programme). To encourage the recovery and recycling of yard waste in the community, the EPD has organised the PBTs Recycling Programme since 2017. The PBTs collected from the programme will be processed and turned into recyclable products, such as bulking agents for composting and mulch for gardening. The 2026 Programme will be held after the Lunar New Year holiday this year, and the arrangements are as follows:

• February 27 to March 8

• Collection points: A central collection point at Y·PARK (see location at Annex), and 55 district collection points (including 12 GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, six Outlying Islands Transfer Facilities and 37 public refuse collection points). Please refer to the following website for the locations and opening hours of the collection points: www.wastereduction.gov.hk/sites/default/files/2026/2026-peach-blossom-trees-recycling-programme/Annex_PBT_2026_r0.pdf.

• March 9 to 14

• Members of the public and commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations can deliver their PBTs to Y·PARK directly during operation hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday).

An EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that the 2026 Programme is limited to the recycling of PBTs. All decorations, including fai chun and tape, should be removed before delivery to facilitate the subsequent recycling processes. The public is also encouraged to replant small potted plants such as tangerine trees and reuse festival decorations to help reduce waste and conserve resources. The EPD also welcomes other organisations and associations to provide their own recycling services for PBTs to help the public, and C&I organisations support waste reduction and carbon reduction for all.

Participants who deliver PBTs to Y·PARK or any GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Station for recycling will receive an e-certificate upon the submission and verification of their enrolment form. Those who deliver PBTs to the GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations will also receive a gift while stocks last. For details of the Programme, please visit the following website:

2026 PBTs Recycling Programme: www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en-hk/article/2026-peach-blossom-trees-recycling-programme.

Photo source: wastereduction.gov.hk

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