Gov’t studying introduction of ‘recycling network’

The government is considering whether or not to create a recycling network structure in Macau, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosário, told lawmakers yesterday.
Mr Rosário revealed, “We are having an interim review, which, according to our planning, we would like to conclude by the beginning of next year, so that we can create a recycling network in Macau. I believe that this is a new concept in Macau.”
The secretary did not elaborate on whether this recycling structure is intended to manage all types of waste.
He recalled that Macau has scarce land resources and therefore the government will need to think thoroughly about recycling: “We need to see whether we have conditions to do this in Macau. For now we can probably only find a very small space [to accommodate recycling network facilities].”
Therefore, Mr Rosário acknowledged that regional cooperation is key in this matter. “Until 2020, we will foster regional cooperation opportunities, and will have to see if we can cooperate and find a viable solution with our neighboring regions,” he stated.
Lawmaker Angela Leong commented that raising residents’ awareness over environmental issues is important, but she urged to government “to do something concrete.” Zheng Anting added that the scheme would be easier to implement if residents start separating their household waste. “If people start sorting their waste then it becomes easier to recycle. I hope you can take this into consideration during the interim review,” he said.
Lawmaker Pereira Coutinho reiterated that “the government has been too inactive” when it comes to managing waste. “Our landfills are currently exceeding capacity and we need to find a solution. This is the right momentum to think of mechanisms we could adopt to encourage enterprises to participate in the recycling of waste,” he said.
The secretary replied that the government is now trying to solve the construction waste issue, and “in the long run will try to solve the matter through recycling.”