Rent a
Dispenser
Rent a
Dispenser
#HKUWasteReduction
WHY B.Y.O.?
To reduce plastic pollution, HKU has implemented the Disposable Plastic-free Campus Policy since 2020. Campus restaurants are currently using paper containers to replace single-use plastic containers for takeaways. Although paper containers can be decomposed in landfills, they still put pressure on landfills and also deplete the Earth's resources.
Bring your own reusables when purchasing takeaways on campus! Take this small step to relief the pressure on landfills, reduce wastage of resources, as well as save our planet!
In Hong Kong, PLASTICS and PAPER were the 2nd and 3rd largest constituents of municipal solid waste disposed of at landfills in 2022, and most of them were DISPOSABLE TAKEAWAY ITEMS
Plastics
Average quantity disposed of at Hong Kong's landfills in 2022 – 2,369 tonnes / day
The composition of plastic waste disposed of at Hong Kong 's landfills in 2022:
Q: I may have eaten microplastics?
A: Yes!
Microplastics
Photo sources: HKU (2018). Retrieved from https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_18062.html
Paper
Average quantity disposed of at Hong Kong's landfills in 2022 – 2,244 tonnes / day
Outlets of paper waste in Hong Kong generated in 2022:
Q: Landfilling paper waste can intensify Global Warming?
A: Yes!
From a scientific study in 2023, waste paper disposed of at Hong Kong's landfills in 2020 generated more than 1.8 million tonnes of GHGs (need to plant 79 million trees* to absorb) !
*Planting one new tree can absorb 23 kg of GHGs
Reusable Choices
Lunchbox
Reusable Plastic
Glass
Stainless Steel
Silicone
Glass
Reusable Plastic
Drink Container
Coffee Grounds
Silicone
Stainless Steel
Bag
Cotton
Rattan
Linen
Kraft Paper
Cutlery
Reusable Plastic
Stainless Steel
Wood
Bamboo
Straw
Glass
Stainless Steel
Silicone
Every little step counts!
Explore
B. Y. O. Facilities
at HKU!
Reusable Lunchbox Lending System
outside Union Restaurant, Haking Wong Podium
Free of Charge
Click here for more details!
Reusable Tableware Rental Service for Takeaway
Bijas Vegetarian Restaurant, Centennial Campus
Free of charge for 7-day rental period; $5 for an additional 7-day rental
Ultimate Target :
Zero Waste Lifestyle
To reduce the burden on the environment and
alleviate the carbon emission from wastes,
Adopt a Zero Waste Lifestyle is the primary way!
Reduce
Reduce the use of disposables and choose reusable products
Reuse/Upcycle
Repurpose/transform the old stuff to extend its lifespan
Recycle
Deliver sorted and cleaned recyclables to recycling points
References:
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department & Environmental Protection Department. (2010). Guidelines
to Account for and Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals for Buildings (Commercial, Residential or Institutional Purposes) in Hong Kong.
Environmental Protection Department. (2023). Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong, Waste Statistics for 2022.
HKU (2017). FLOATING IN A BED OF PLASTIC WASTE. Retrieved from
https://www4.hku.hk/pubunit/Bulletin/2017_Sep_Vol.19_No.1/cover_story/page4.html
Peixiu Chen, Meike Sauerwein, Benjamin Steuer (2023). Exploring greenhouse gas emissions pathways and stakeholder perspectives: In search of circular economy policy innovation for waste paper management and carbon neutrality in Hong Kong, Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 341, 118072