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, smart balances and gift redemption units). 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, and 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 and gift redemption units have also been gradually installed in some Recycling Stations and 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 facilitate 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 may also be connected through communication network to transmit telematics data. When combined, these technologies provide a solution for real-time visibility into the status of recycling bins so they can avoid unnecessary pickups and optimize operations.
Smart Recycling Bins are set up at some of the Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores. The EPD is also installing Smart Recycling Bins at housing estates, villages, shopping malls, universities and government venue progressively from March 2023.
Locations of Smart Recycling Bins
Gift Redemption Unit
Gift Redemption Units support 24-hour operation, record the gift redemption and deduct the electronic bonus points automatically. The fully automatic and electronic process facilitates the public to redeem gift items, such as daily necessities, groceries and environmentally friendly products, in a self-service mode.
The gift redemption of the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme (GREEN$ ePIS) is keeping pace with times and is gradually transitioning into a digital form. In addition to rewards such as MTR tickets and local eco-tours, members of the public can now convert GREEN$ Points to MoneyBack e-points with the GREEN$ Mobile App anytime and anywhere, allowing them to redeem gifts freely such as food items, personal care products, electrical appliances and supermarket vouchers at more than 500 supermarkets and retail stores across the territory. In addition to keeping pace with the times by moving towards digitalisation, it also enhances the programme's attractiveness to the public. The new electronic redemption option has been well received by members of the public since its trial launch in December 2024, and the EPD will continue to explore and provide more electronic redemption platforms available for consideration of the GREEN$ users.
With the new electronic redemption function, members of the public can conveniently redeem e-rewards using GREEN$ Points anytime with the GREEN$ Mobile App, offering an extensive range of gift options. The EPD will gradually phase out the use of traditional gift redemption units by the end of May 2025. After the cessation of gift redemption units, members of the public can continue to redeem daily necessities such as groceries, as well as environmentally friendly products, at the service counters of the GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities.
The EPD will continue to enhance promotion of the GREEN$ electronic redemption options through various channels such as social media and the Hong Kong Waste Reduction Website. In addition, the Green Outreach will visit public rental housing estates where gift redemption units are in operation to brief members of the public and assist them in installing the GREEN$ Mobile App and using the electronic redemption function.
For the arrangement for the cessation of Gift Redemption Units operation and the schedule of the promotions at public housing estates by the Green Outreach, please refer to the Related Information.
Smart Balance
Smart Balances record the weight of recyclables and the electronic bonus points earned through recycling automatically.
Smart Balances are not limited by the size of recyclables. The high mobility feature of smart balances also supports various recycling activities of the GREEN@COMMUNITY.
Smart Balances are set up at all Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores of GREEN@COMMUNITY.
How to Perform Smart Recycling
The Smart Recycling Systems are easy to use. Just scan the membership QR code generated by GREEN$ Mobile App or at the back of the GREEN$ card on the reader of the smart recycling bins or smart balances, drop recyclables when the electric door opens or place the recyclables on the smart balances, then you will earn GREEN$ at the same time. You can also use the GREEN$ to redeem gifts from the gift redemption units or at any GREEN@COMMUNITY.
GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme
With theGREEN$ Mobile Appor a GREEN$ smart card, the public can earn GREEN$ upon submission of recyclables with smart recycling devices. The "GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme" offers gifts including daily necessities and groceries, as well as environmentally friendly products. To register as a GREEN$ member, just download theGREEN$ Mobile Appor bring 2 kg of recyclables to any of the GREEN@COMMUNITY outlets to get a GREEN$ card.
How to Check My GREEN$ Balance
GREEN$ members can check their GREEN$ balance at the GREEN$ Mobile App or the GREEN$ balance & transaction records enquiry webpage. The checking procedure at the webpage is very simple. Members can scan the QR Code below with their mobile devices and open the webpage (or inputreward.6green.hkdirectly in the web browser address), followed by entering the membership number to check the GREEN$ balance:
GREEN$ members can also check their GREEN$ balance with assistance from the staff at our GREEN@COMMUNITY, including Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores, and Recycling Spots.
Features of Smart Recycling Systems
For the expansion of the pilot program, 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 is bringing a new recycling experience to the public, and to inject new impetus to community recycling. The Government will review the operational experience and technical testing result to formulate the long-term development of a smart recycling system for local application, with a view to improving the community recycling service and its efficiency.