Don’t Feed the Landfill – How to Dispose of Food Waste Properly in Hong Kong
Have you ever paused before tossing food scraps into the bin and thought, “Where’s this actually going?”
In Hong Kong, that question matters — because food waste is the largest part of our city’s municipal solid waste. Every day, according to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), over 3,300 tonnes of food waste end up in landfills. That’s thousands of tonnes of leftovers, peelings, and scraps creating methane and odours instead of being turned into useful compost or energy.
Why it’s a big deal
Landfills in Hong Kong are filling up fast. Food waste takes up space that could be avoided through proper recycling.
Biodegradable waste in landfills produces greenhouse gases like methane, contributing to climate change.
Food waste contains nutrients that can be recycled into compost and biogas, powering circular economy goals instead of polluting the ground.
🚫 What you shouldn’t do:
Don’t throw food waste in regular rubbish bins — it’ll go straight to landfill.
Don’t assume your normal recycling station accepts food scraps — many only take paper, plastic, or metal.
Don’t mix food waste with packaging — contamination ruins recyclability.
✅ What you SHOULD do:
1. Separate recyclable food waste at the source - Keep leftovers, fruit peels, expired bread, bones, and vegetables apart from other rubbish.
credits to Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department
2. Store with reusable containers
credits to Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department
3. Bring it to a Food Waste Recycling Spot – There are recycling points across 17 districts, operating 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
📍 Check the full list here: https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/sites/default/files/food_wise/Food_Waste_Recycling_Spots.pdf
💡 Bonus Tip: Earn Rewards for Recycling!
Download the GREEN$ Mobile App or get a Smart Card to collect points each time you recycle food waste at any GREEN@COMMUNITY facility. You can redeem gifts — turning your green habits into real rewards.
Every Action Counts
Each time you drop your food waste in the correct recycling bin instead of the regular one, you’re helping:
Conserve valuable landfill space
Cut harmful emissions
Turn waste into renewable resources
So next time, don’t feed the landfill — or better yet, save your leftovers before they turn to waste, on CHOMP. Together, we can make Hong Kong cleaner, greener, and smarter about food.