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. However, the reliance on export of WEEE is not sustainable due to decreasing demand for second-hand products. Additionally, 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. The scheme regulates the recycling and disposal of regulated electrical equipment (REE) which refers to air-conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, television, computer, printer, scanner and monitor.
The Legislative Council passed the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 on 18 October 2023 for enhancing the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS). The enhanced WPRS will expand its scope and will take effect on 1 July 2024. The expanded scope of the WPRS will cover the following new regulated electrical equipment (REE):
- Refrigerator with rated storage volume up to 900 litres
- Washing machine with rated washing capacity up to 15 kg
- Tumble dryer with a rated drying capacity 15 kg or below
- Dehumidifier with a rated dehumidifying capacity 35 L/day or below
Therefore, the scheme regulates the recycling and disposal of regulated electrical equipment (REE) which refers to air-conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, television, computer, printer, scanner, monitor and the new added tumble dryer, and dehumidifier.
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
- Sellers of REE shall arrange a free removal service for consumers for the same type of waste equipment
- Any person 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
- Disposal of abandoned REE is not permitted at landfills or 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 of 15kg or below
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 of 900L or below
Air Conditioner
Window / Split type
Cooling capacity of 7.5 kW (3 HP) or below
Cooling capacity of 7.5 kW (3 HP) or below
Television
TVs with size of display screens not exceeding 100 inches. (measured diagonally)
CRT / LED type
CRT / LED type
Computer
PC, tablet, laptop etc.
Monitor
Monitors with size of display screens between 5.5 and 100 inches.
(measured diagonally)
(measured diagonally)
Printer
Weight 30kg or below
Printer with copying, fax or scanning function is acceptable
Printer with copying, fax or scanning function is acceptable
Scanner
Weight 30kg or below
Dryer
Tumble dryer with dry textile by tumbling in a rotating drum with a rated drying capacity of 15 kg or below
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifier operates by using vapour compression cycle with a rated dehumidifying capacity of 35L/day or below, but do not include those operate by using desiccant materials.
Washing Machine
Refrigerator
Air Conditioner
Television
Computer
Monitor
Printer
Scanner
Tumble Dryer
Dehumidifier
For appliances not included in the above list, please contact the Environmental Protection Department at 2838 3111 regarding recycling details.
