From 1 October 2026, Hong Kong pulps all of its recovered waste paper locally at the EcoPark facility in Tuen Mun, ending its reliance on exports, the city's Environmental Protection Department announced.
Key facts
The facility can process 720,000 tonnes of waste paper a year and has been running since July.
Mixed paper such as paper bags, packaging boxes and wrapping paper is now accepted, alongside cardboard, newspapers and office paper.
Daily collection hit a record 1,608 tonnes in September, 4% above last year's daily average.
The government's purchase price rose to about HK$1,295 per tonne, with a guaranteed minimum of HK$0.65 per kilogram for frontline collectors.
Why it matters
Processing paper close to where it is collected keeps more material in use, cuts long shipping journeys and gives the city's collectors a steadier income.
Worth noting
The local pulping facility arrived years later than first planned, and some baling businesses expect 10 to 20% less work. Paper needs to be kept dry to be recycled.