Regulated e-waste
Producer Responsibility Scheme on WEEE (WPRS)
About 70,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are generated in Hong Kong annually, most of which are exported for reuse or recovery of valuable materials. On the one hand, the reliance on export of WEEE is not sustainable due to decreasing demand for second-hand products. On the other hand, WEEE contains harmful materials which, if not properly treated or disposed, will be hazardous to the environment and human health.
As a result, the HKSAR government has implemented a mandatory producer responsibility scheme in 2018 for proper treatment and recycling of WEEE.
It regulates the recycling and disposal of regulated electrical equipment (REE) which refer to air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners and monitors.
Key regulatory measures include:
- Manufacturers and importers of REE are required to register and pay a recycling levy for REE that is distributed in Hong Kong
- A seller of REE shall arrange for the consumer a free removal service for disposal of the same type of waste equipment
- Any person who is engaged in the storage, treatment, reprocessing and recycling of abandoned REE must obtain a waste disposal license
- A permit is required for the import and export of abandoned REE
- Abandoned REE is not accepted for disposal at landfills and other waste disposal facilities
To provide an essential infrastructure in support of the WPRS, the HKSAR government has also developed a WEEE Treatment and Recycling Facility – WEEE · PARK.
Regulated e-waste suited for recycling
Washing Machine
Running capacity below 10kg
Washing machine with drying function is acceptable
Front-load / Top-load type
Washing machine with drying function is acceptable
Front-load / Top-load type
Refrigerator
Household-use refrigerator with storage capacity below 500L
Air Conditioner
Window / Split type
Cooling capacity below 7.5 kW (3 HP)
Cooling capacity below 7.5 kW (3 HP)
Television
Display screen size (measured diagonally) below 100"
CRT / LED type
CRT / LED type
Computer
Desktop / laptop / tablet
Monitor
Display screen size (measured diagonally) 5.5 - 100"
Printer
Weight below 30kg
Printer with copying, fax or scanning function is acceptable
Printer with copying, fax or scanning function is acceptable
Scanner
Weight below 30kg
Washing Machine
Refrigerator
Air Conditioner
Television
Computer
Monitor
Printer
Scanner
For appliances out of the above list, please contact the Environmental Protection Department at 2838 3111 regarding recycling details.
