CHINA: Earthworms will devour tonnes of Hong Kong's waste, as the territories landfills reach saturation point

Earthworms will digest tonnes of Hong Kong's organic waste, as part of a new recycling initiative to tackle a severe shortage of landfill space. Earthworms have been recruited to tackle Hong Kong's growing piles of waste. Known as nature's recycling wizards, 80 million worms will munch their way through tonnes of organic waste each day. "In nature worms have been consuming waste and recycling for millions of years, it's just we have never seen them. What we have done is taken that natural process and engineered it into 21st century size and efficiency to deal with a much larger problem in a more concentrated manner", said David Ellery, Managing Director of Sunburst Biotechnologies. He heads up an Australian environmental technology company that has recently introduced large scale vermiculture to Hong Kong. The technology allows the worms to consume and convert organic materials into odourless eco-friendly natural fertilisers. Fast food giant McDonald's is one of a handful of organisations to sign up to the new scheme. As part of its waste recycling program, some of its restaurants will now separate organic waste such as food and paper bags before sending it on to the plant. McDonald's estimates the program will help to reduce waste originally headed for landfills by 80 percent. Dr. Sally Chen, Assistant Director at the Environmental Protection Department, is keen to encourage recycling projects. "At the moment we rely on people's good will - if you like - to separate their waste and recycle. There is no disincentive if they dont do it. So by introducing some sort of charging in the future hopefully the people will take more care before they think of disposing their waste. If they have to pay for it, then I'm sure they will be more willing to separate their waste and recycle", she said. Recycling is a hot button issue in Hong Kong. Experts say the territory's three existing landfill sites will reach saturation point in just three years. The numbers speak for themselves. The current amount of waste produced daily in Hong Kong totals 15,000 tonnes, according to official statistics. Last year saw 5.49 million tonnes of waste produced, most of which was destined for existing landfills. Both government officials and environmental groups in Hong Kong have voiced concerns over the issue. But the public holds mixed opinions about the importance of recycling. "It's not necessary for us to sacrifice our enjoyment for the sake of environmental protection. I don't think environmental protection is essential," added Hong Kong resident James Wat. The government however is keen to address the issue as the territory now faces a sheer lack of space.

ITN Source | September 10, 2007

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