Officials cite trash volume declines and more recycling activity as victories, but environmentalists say the numbers do not paint the full picture

In Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing neighbourhood, a community recycling station has been quietly making an impact since opening in 2019.

Green@Kwai Tsing, operated by the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, serves as a collection point for various items that are sent to recyclers. Twelve mobile collection spots are also set up in the neighbourhood every week.

Back in 2019, the station collected 20 tonnes of recyclables each month, but that has since surged to about 60 tonnes.

“We have noticed that in recent years, the public’s awareness of recycling has clearly increased, and many more residents are actively participating in waste reduction and recycling,” said Chris Wong Kar-hing, head of professional services at the NGO.