It has been ten years since the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) first implemented its refuse classification and recycling scheme at the end of 1999. The volume of recycled refuse, which includes waste paper, metal and plastics, has continuously risen in recent years. The volume of recycled refuse last year was 30% more than that in 2007, and more than double the corresponding amount in 2006, reflecting the steady improvement of public awareness regarding environmental protection. The IACM hopes the general public can continue to actively participate in the recycling resources and support environmental protection. Along with the rapid development of Macao’s economy and population growth, the volume of solid waste produced continues to rise. In Macao, about 800 tons of solid waste is sent to the Incineration Centre (Central de Incineração) in Taipa for incineration treatment every day. To alleviate the burden of the Refuse Incineration Plant and make better use of our environmental resources, the IACM has focused on the importance of reducing waste in recent years, all the while promoting the refuse classification and recycling schemes. Implementation of the scheme in the First Decade: Remarkable Results The IACM started the implementation of the scheme at the end of 1999, inviting 23 primary and secondary schools from Macao to participate. The IACM promoted environmental friendliness to the current generation through initiatives such as seminars, picture exhibitions, sport activities and the provision of recycling facilities. Since the promotion of refuse recycling in schools went well, the IACM further expanded the scheme to include social organizations, private institutions and Government departments. There are currently 289 entities involved in the classification and recycling scheme. To promote the refuse classification and recycling scheme, not only has the IACM been setting up refuse classification and recycling facilities in public areas, it has also launched a classification and recycling scheme for domestic waste, as well as implemented a series of publicity materials for the promotion and education of this topic, set up refuse classification and recycling facilities and organized refuse collection. This helps gradually integrate the ideas of waste classification and recycling into the daily lives of the general public. With the gradual rise in awareness of classification and recycling by Macao citizens, the IACM further broadened the prevalence of the classification and recycling works in 2003 by successively setting up stainless steel recycling bins in various districts throughout Macao (including parks, recreational areas, residential areas, commercials districts and tourist areas) and setting up refuse classification and recycling facilities at closed refuse receptacle locations so that local citizens can conveniently separate their rubbish for subsequent recycling. There are now 198 public collection points for recyclable refuse in Macao. Since quite a lot of the solid waste generated in Macao comes from residences, the IACM launched a classification and recycling scheme for domestic waste at the end of 2005. The IACM co-operates with the management bodies of the residential buildings to set up refuse classification and recycling facilities at the building’s refuse collections sites on each floor, at the lobby or in the outer patio of the building. The building cleaning staff will then send the waste collected to the recycling plant for further handling. This scheme has achieved positive results since its launch, with the volume of refuse recycled throughout Macao increasing noticeably. There are currently 271 buildings participating in this scheme and the IACM hopes more and more buildings will join the scheme and create environmentally friendly residences. Special vehicles for collecting recyclable waste At present, the Companhia de Sistemas de Resíduos, Limitada is responsible for collecting recyclable refuse from the respective collection points. To avoid increasing traffic congestion during the daytime, the collection works are carried out at night. Recyclable refuse is arranged separately from ordinary refuse: recyclable refuse is collected on the following day at each of the public collection sites by vehicles specifically designated for recyclable waste collection. The refuse will then be sent to a recycling company, which will first compress and pack the refuse and then transport it to other sites for further recycling treatment. Additionally, and due to the fact that much of the recyclable refuse is produced during traditional festivals, the IACM has, in recent years, held recycling related activities during such festivals to recycle items such as red packets and moon cake boxes. These activities help the IACM achieve its objective of recycling resources, as well as provide a bit of fun to the citizens during the festivals. By recycling and reusing waste, we can help save a great amount of valuable resources, increase the efficiency of resource utilization, as well as reduce the amount of waste in our eco-system so as to reduce the damages made to the ecology. There are quite a lot reusable resources in solid wastes, which can become new resources after recycling, and re-enter the production process. Not only does recycling increase the efficiency of resource utilization, it also relieves the bottleneck to economic development brought about by limited natural resources, protects and improves the environment, and brings about considerable economic benefits. According to the concept of a Recyclable Economy, which applies the principle of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”, through the implementation of a recycling system for renewable resources, we can achieve sustainable growth between man and nature, resources and the environment, as well as the economy and society. Should you require more information on environmental protection and respective business opportunities, please feel free to participate in the 2009 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition. Please contact the 2009 MIECF Secretariat at: Telephone: 853-8798 9675, Fax: 853-2872 8213, Email: info@macaomiecf.com , or visit the official website: www.macaomiecf.com for details.
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