The volume of recycled refuse in Macao, which includes waste paper, metal and plastics, last year increased by 30 percent over 2007, and more than double the corresponding amount in 2006, according to a press statement released on Tuesday from Macao's Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM)

It has been ten years since the IACM first implemented its refuse classification and recycling scheme at the end of 1999, and the significant growth of recycled refuse volume in recent years reflected the steady improvement of public awareness regarding environmental protection, said the IACM in the statement.

To alleviate the burden of the refuse incineration plant and make better use of the environmental resources, the IACM said it has focused on the importance of reducing waste in recent years, promoting the refuse classification and recycling schemes.

According to the IACM, the prevalence of the classification and recycling works were further broadened in 2003 as a large number of stainless steel recycling bins were set up in various districts throughout Macao. The refuse classification and recycling facilities were also installed at closed refuse receptacle locations so that local citizens can conveniently separate their rubbish for subsequent recycling. There are now 198 public collection points for recyclable refuse in Macao.

However, the volume of solid waste produced continues to rise with the rapid development of Macao's economy and population growth. Statistics from the IACM showed that about 800 tons of solid waste is sent to the local incineration center for incineration treatment every day.

Since quite a lot of the solid waste generated in Macao comes from residences, the IACM launched a classification and recycling scheme for domestic waste at the end of 2005, with 271 buildings participating in this scheme. This scheme has achieved positive results since its launch, with the volume of refuse recycled throughout Macao "increasing noticeably", according to the IACM.

Source:Xinhua