The correct handling method for recyclable materials by Hong Kong's environmental protection recycling companies: A complete guide from sorting to delivery

The correct handling method for recyclable waste: A complete guide from sorting to delivery

The proper handling of recyclable waste is crucial for improving resource utilization and reducing environmental pollution. It requires following three core principles: precise classification, clean and dry handling, and standardized delivery. Different types of waste have different handling methods:

1. Precise classification to avoid mixed contamination

This is the first step in recycling. It is necessary to strictly distinguish by material and category to avoid mixing different types of waste, which can reduce the value of recycling.

◦ Paper: including newspapers, paper boxes, books, etc. Remove contaminated food containers and hygiene paper that are not recyclable.

◦ Plastic: mineral water bottles, plastic lunch boxes, plastic toys, etc. Distinguish between different materials (refer to the triangular recycling symbol on the product bottom).

◦ Metal: cans, iron tin can lids, metal kitchenware, etc. All materials can be recycled, but non-metal parts should be removed.

◦ Glass: glass bottles, glass jars, etc. Sort by color (colorless, green, brown). Avoid mixing with debris after breaking.

◦ Electronics: used mobile phones, computers, appliances, etc., are special recyclable items. They need to be handed over to professional electronic waste recycling institutions.

2. Clean and dry handling to improve recycling purity

Before recycling, the recyclable waste needs to be simply cleaned to remove residual stains and moisture to prevent the growth of bacteria or contamination of other recyclable items.

◦ Plastic bottles, glass jars need to remove the remaining liquid and be rinsed briefly before drying;

◦ Paper boxes need to remove tape and stickers, and damp paper boxes need to be dried before recycling;

◦ Metal products need to remove surface oil and food residues to avoid affecting subsequent smelting and processing.

3. Choose a regular channel and deliver for recycling in a standardized manner

After classification and cleaning, the recyclable waste needs to be delivered through a compliant channel to avoid random disposal or handing over to unqualified recyclers.

◦ Community recycling points: Put the sorted recyclable waste into the corresponding recycling bins or participate in the regular recycling activities organized by the community;

◦ Professional recycling enterprises: For industrial waste, large-scale electronic equipment, used metals, etc., contact qualified environmental protection recycling enterprises for on-site collection and professional processing;

◦ Brand recycling programs: Some brands will offer recycling services for their own products (such as mobile phones, batteries, packaging materials), and can directly participate.

4. Special category precautions

◦ Waste batteries and lamp tubes belong to hazardous waste and should not be mixed with ordinary recyclable waste. They should be placed in the dedicated hazardous waste recycling bins;

◦ Large recyclable items (such as furniture, appliances) need to contact the recycling enterprise or sanitation department in advance to make an appointment for on-site removal;

◦ Confidential documents, used IT equipment, etc., need to choose a recycling institution with data destruction qualifications to ensure information security.

The core standards for recycling of recyclable waste are un-contaminated, having regenerative value, being classified and cleaned in accordance with regulations, and being delivered through regular channels. The following explains these standards in detail:

1. Core determination criteria

• Recyclability: Recycled processing can regain its use value, such as deinking and pulping of waste paper, and re-melting and smelting of waste metals.

• Cleanliness: Not contaminated by oil, food residues, chemicals, etc.; contaminated (such as oil-soaked tissues, painted cardboard) should be classified as other waste.

• Integrity: No severe damage, no mixed foreign objects, to facilitate subsequent sorting and recycling.

2. Main category recycling standards (precise classification + clean and dry)

1. Paper

◦ Scope: Newspapers, paper boxes, books, un-contaminated packaging paper, etc.; exclude hygiene paper, napkins, and paper products contaminated by oil or chemicals.

◦ Requirements: Fold flat and bundle, remove tape/stickers, dry damp paper, avoid wrinkles and contamination. ◦ Scope: PET bottles, HDPE containers, foam plastics, etc.; distinguish materials by referring to the bottom triangular recycling logo on the products.

◦ Requirements: Empty the residual substances, rinse and dry the containers, flatten the container-like items as much as possible to avoid mixing in non-plastic impurities.

3. Metal items

◦ Scope: Cans, iron boxes, metal kitchenware, etc., excluding non-metallic components.

◦ Requirements: Remove oil stains/ residues, blunt sharp metal to prevent scratches on the collectors.

4. Glass items

◦ Scope: Glass bottles, jars, etc., classify by color (colorless, green, brown), avoid mixing in ceramics, mirrors, etc. non-glass impurities.

◦ Requirements: Empty and rinse, wrap broken glass with thick paper to prevent damage and contamination.

5. Electronic items

◦ Scope: Used mobile phones, computers, household appliances, etc., belong to special recyclable items.

◦ Requirements: Choose qualified recycling institutions, for confidential devices, data destruction should be done first.

6. Textile items

◦ Scope: Clean old clothes, bedding, etc.; exclude severely damaged or contaminated textiles.

◦ Requirements: Clean and pack, place in the used clothing recycling box or donation point.

III. Delivery and Channel Standards

• Choose formal recycling channels: community recycling points, qualified recycling enterprises, brand-specific recycling programs, etc., avoid unqualified recyclers.

• Large recyclable items (furniture, appliances): make an appointment for on-site removal in advance, do not directly throw into ordinary recycling bins.

• Hazardous waste (batteries, light bulbs, etc.): separately place in hazardous waste recycling bins, strictly do not mix with ordinary recyclables.

IV. Relevant Norms and Standards Basis

• "Regulations on the Management of Recycled Resources" (Decree No. 8 of the Ministry of Commerce and other departments in 2007)

• Industry standard "Urban Domestic Waste Classification and Evaluation Standards"

• "Recycling Specifications for Waste Electrical and Electronic Products" (GB standard), emphasizing traceability management and information security.

V. Common Misconceptions

• Misconception 1: All paper products can be recycled → Toilet paper/wet wipes have short fibers and are prone to contamination, most cannot be recycled.

• Misconception 2: Broken glass cannot be recycled → Wrap well before recycling, but be careful to prevent contamination and safety risks.

• Misconception 3: Plastic films/bags can be recycled at will → Polluted or low-value plastic films/bags have low recycling value, it is recommended to reduce usage and properly classify.

Mainland phone: 13049844111

Email address: 13049844111@163.com

Hong Kong phone: 852-52664790, Liangji Recycling and Reuse Co., Ltd. Looking forward to your call, jointly opening a new chapter of environmental protection and value coexistence!

Liangji Recycling and Reuse has obtained certifications such as quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), and information security management (ISO 27001), being safe, formal, and professional - looking forward to your call, jointly opening a new chapter of environmental protection and value coexistence!