Hong Kong to build high-tech solid waste management plant

Hong Kong will build a state-of-the-art site dedicated to managing the territory's waste near the artificial island of Shek Kwu Chau.

The announcement was made by Environmental Protection Department Secretary Edward Yau, who said the plan is part of Hong Kong's strategy for improved waste management.

Called an integrated waste management facility, its core technology will be an advanced incinerator that will be able to process 3,000 tons of solid waste every day. The process will reportedly reduce the volume of municipal solid waste treated in Hong Kong by 90 percent. The facility will mechanically sort and recycle waste.

The environment department said the facility will also incorporate a waste-to-energy capability that will provide for the needs of 100,000 households or 1 percent of the total electricity consumption of Hong Kong, thus avoiding 440,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Following the example of other waste facilities in other countries that have included social, recreational and educational facilities, the environmental study also recommended considering an ecotourism park to be built on the site. The park will contain a greenhouse and botanic garden, ecology centre and a venue for environmental activities.

Last update (Tuesday, February 22, 2011)