RVM Pilot Scheme

To pave the way for the future implementation of the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons (PCPRS), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) rolled out the "Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Pilot Scheme" in the first quarter of 2021 to test out and practise the application of RVMs for collecting plastic beverage containers in Hong Kong.

Under the scheme, the EPD has installed RVMs across all 18 districts of Hong Kong at locations such as public places, government facilities or shopping centres with suitable foot traffic. The number of RVMs was increased to 120 starting from the third quarter of 2022. For each plastic beverage container returned, members of the public can receive an instant rebate of $0.1 via e-payment platforms to encourage recycling. Each Octopus card or AlipayHK account can be used to return up to 30 plastic beverage containers per day and receive the corresponding rebate. If members of the public choose to donate the rebate to a designated charitable organisation, there is no daily limit on the number of containers that can be returned, thereby promoting both environmental protection and community benefit.

The scheme has received positive public responses since its rollout. The Government-appointed contractor will collect and deliver the plastic beverage containers to suitable local recyclers for proper treatment and recycling, thereby transforming waste into resources.