Waste reduction and recycling are very important elements of the local waste management framework. They help both to conserve natural resources and to reduce demand for valuable landfill space.

Through the existing waste recovery system, about 1.64 million tonnes of municipal solid waste were recovered in Hong Kong in 2019. Of that total, 12% was recycled locally and 88% was exported to the Mainland and other economies for recycling, with an export earning of HK$5.8 billion for Hong Kong.

Note: Resource recovery system of Hong Kong comprises the public sector, private recyclers, and green groups in Hong Kong which recover recyclables.

The Environmental Protection Department encourages waste reduction and recycling activities. It provides a helpline service (telephone number: 2838-3111) to help the public organize waste reduction and recycling programmes. It also provides information on recyclers and technical advice on waste recovery and recycling.

Remark: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.