Pilot Programme on Smart Recycling Systems
Overview
To support smart city development, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched the Pilot Programme on Smart Recycling Systems (the Pilot Programme) in the fourth quarter of 2020 to test in phases the local application of smart recycling devices (comprising smart recycling bins and smart balances). The objectives are to build up experience for reference in mapping out the direction for the long-term development of local application of smart recycling systems to enhance the community recycling services and efficiency.
Technical trials at 4 locations in the initial phase of the Pilot Programme had been completed in January 2022. After reviewing the results of the trials, the EPD expanded the Pilot Programme in mid-2022. In addition to setting up smart balances at all recycling facilities under GREEN@COMMUNITY to facilitate self-service recycling, smart recycling bins have also been gradually installed in some Recycling Stores since end-2022. Starting from March 2023, smart recycling bins have been progressively set up in housing estates, villages, shopping malls, universities, government venues, etc. The number of application points under the Pilot Programme has been increased from 4 locations in the initial phase to more than 800 locations at present.
Smart Recycling Equipment
Smart Recycling Bin
Smart recycling bins support 24-hour operation, measure and record the weight of recyclables automatically, and record electronic bonus points earned through recycling, thereby facilitating self-service recycling.
Smart Recycling Bins are equipped with sensors and can transfer information and data through IoT network for effective monitoring, such as fill levels. Recyclable collection service providers can also access the relevant real-time data via the Internet, enabling them to plan collection routes and frequencies more efficiently, thereby improving the recycling collection services.
Locations of Smart Recycling Bins
Smart Balance
Smart Balances can automatically measure and record the weight of recyclables, and record and store the electronic bonus points earned through recycling.
The applications of Smart Balances are not constrained by the size of recyclables. The high mobility feature of smart balances can also support various recycling activities of the GREEN@COMMUNITY.
Smart Balances are set up at all Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores of GREEN@COMMUNITY.
- GREEN@COMMUNITY
- GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme
- GREEN$ Mobile App
- Arrangements for Cessation of the Service of Gift Redemption Units and Schedule of Promotions on GREEN$ e-Rewards at Public Housing Estates by the Green Outreach (Notes: All gift redemption units have ceased operations at the end of May 2025)
How to Perform Smart Recycling
The Smart Recycling Systems are easy to use. Simply scan the membership QR code generated by GREEN$ Mobile App or found on the back of the GREEN$ card on the reader of the smart recycling bins or smart balances, drop in recyclables when the electric door opens or place the recyclables on the smart balances, then you will earn GREEN$ at the same time and redeem gift items with GREEN$ under the "GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme".
Features of Smart Recycling Systems
To support the expansion of the Pilot Programme, the EPD completed the establishment of a common communication protocol, application programming interface, central data system and mobile application linking platform for local applications in 2022, so that smart recycling hardware and software from different developers can connect with each other, and jointly build the smart recycling system in Hong Kong.
Smart Recycling System applies IoT technologies to collect daily operation information for integration into a Big Data System. With artificial intelligence (AI) analysis in the long run, we can provide a better service and new experience to the community through a more effective management of recyclable collection.
Through the Pilot Programme, the EPD aims to bring a new recycling experience to the public, and injects new impetus to community recycling. The Government will review the operational experience and technical testing results to formulate the long-term development of the smart recycling system for local application, with a view to improving the community recycling service and its efficiency.