RVM Pilot Scheme

To pave way for the future Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers (PPRS), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) rolled out a pilot scheme in the first quarter of 2021 to test out the application of reverse vending machines (RVMs) in Hong Kong for collecting plastic beverage containers. Under the pilot scheme, the EPD has installed 60 RVMs in phases at locations such as public places, government facilities or shopping centres with suitable foot traffic for trying out by the public, with the provision of an instant rebate ($0.1 per plastic beverage container) via e-payment platforms to encourage the public to return used plastic beverage containers. Positive responses from the public have been received since the rollout of the pilot scheme. Stage 2 of the pilot scheme was launched in the second quarter of 2022 with the number of RVMs increased progressively to 120 in phases, allowing members of the public to get more hands-on experience in the operation of RVMs. Each Octopus card or Alipay (Hong Kong) account allows the public to return a maximum of 30 plastic beverage containers and redeem the rebate in a day. Members of the public may also choose to donate the rebate (no daily limit imposed) to designated charitable organizations to benefit the community. Stage 3 of the pilot scheme commences in December 2023, and continue to provide enhanced RVM services to the public. All the plastic beverage containers collected would be delivered to suitable local recyclers, as arranged by the Government-appointed contractor, for recycling to ensure the conversion of waste into resources.