The Macau Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) announced on September 19 the latest updates on its "Electronic and Electrical Equipment Collection Program," which has been running since 2017.

Originally launched in October 2017 as the "Computer and Communication Equipment Collection Program," it was expanded in 2020 to include large appliances (such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and televisions) and small electronic devices, thus becoming the current "Electronic and Electrical Equipment Collection Program."

According to the Bureau, as of the end of August 2024, approximately 830,000 discarded electronic and electrical items have been collected, totaling over 9,100 tons. Of these, about 2,300 items were donated or reused, while over 90% of the remaining items were suitable for resource recovery after dismantling. Additionally, the waste battery collection program, initiated in 2016, has collected over 340 tons of discarded batteries by August of this year.

The Bureau's contractors have pre-processed more than 266 tons of printed circuit boards and over 192 tons of disposable and lead-acid batteries. Following the Basel Convention on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, these materials have been transported via Hong Kong for recycling in Japan and South Korea. The remaining printed circuit boards and batteries are currently stored in the contractors' warehouse, awaiting transport.

In response to the growing environmental awareness in society, the Bureau noted an increasing trend in the collection of discarded electronic equipment and batteries. In 2023, the collection of electronic devices rose nearly 30% from the previous year, while battery collection more than doubled, particularly for rechargeable, EV, and lead-acid batteries. The Bureau plans to continue expanding collection points and promoting the program while also raising awareness about reducing waste generation.