Jockey Club bottle recycling project gets new boost

01/21/2013

Following the success of its glass bottle recycling campaign launched three years ago, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated a further HK$6.98 million to increase collection points and extend the project for another three years. Run in collaboration with the Hong Chi Association and the Government’s Environmental Protection Department, the campaign has so far seen more than 1,000 tonnes of glass bottles successfully recycled for processing into eco-bricks. 

Today (21 January), Club Steward Stephen Ip joined Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing, Hong Chi Association Chairman Professor Yeung Chung-kwong and Project Ambassador Alex Lam to launch the second phase of the Hong Chi Jockey Club Glass Bottle Recycling Project.  Over the next three years, collection points in the city will be increased to 300, potentially doubling the amount recycled to 2,000 tonnes.

Mr Ip praised the Association and all its workers and trainees for their achievements in collecting over 1,000 tonnes of glass bottles for recycling over the past three years.  “This not only exceeds the original target, but also raises public awareness in line with the Government’s policy and provides vocational opportunities to Hong Chi trainees to promote social inclusion,” he said.

The second phase of the recycling scheme, which is part of the Trust-initiated Environment Project, will involve more private housing estates so as to increase collection points and capacity. In addition, Hong Chi will offer more trainees the opportunity to receive vocational training so that they can help raise public awareness by disseminating green tips and sharing the benefits of a green lifestyle through diversified public education programmes across the city.

The Jockey Club itself has always attached great importance to environmental protection and proactively participates in glass bottle recycling.  In 2012 alone, the Club collected 88 tonnes of used glass bottles from its racecourse and clubhouse outlets for recycling into eco-bricks, enough to cover 43,000 square metres of the city’s pavements.  In addition, the Club has used these bricks for the green roof at its Headquarters building.

Since its launch in 2008, the Environment Project has also supported such worthy projects as the Hong Chi Jockey Club Community Organic Farming Campaign and the CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia.  In addition, the Project supports international symposia and public forums.  To further demonstrate the Club’s commitment to environmental conservation as part of the Project, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course became the first in the world to deploy solar-powered golf carts through its entire fleet. And to reduce carbon emissions, solar-hybrid catamarans have also been brought in to carry passengers travelling between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier.

Further details of the Hong Chi Jockey Club Glass Bottle Recycling Project are available at www.hongchi.org.hk/glassrecycling.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.