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

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

The Labour Department (LD), Photo source: reference image

A spokesman for the LD said today (April 4) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Photo source: reference image