Incineration Norms and Government Authority — Hong Kong (2025)

Incineration Norms

• Hong Kong aims to phase out landfill dependence by 2035 with development of modern waste-to-energy (WtE) incinerators.
• The first WtE incinerator (I·PARK1) is expected to be commissioned in 2025, with capacity to treat around 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) per day.
• A second facility (I·PARK2) with 6,000 tonnes per day capacity is planned, expected operational around 2030, with further expansion possibilities under consideration.
• Incinerators use moving grate technology operating at high temperatures (over 850°C) with flue gas residence times of at least two seconds to ensure complete destruction of harmful pollutants such as dioxins.
• Bottom ash from incineration is recycled into construction materials like low-carbon cement and road aggregates.
• Strict emission control and flue gas cleaning systems are implemented to minimize environmental impact.

Governing and Monitoring Authorities

• Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of Hong Kong: Regulates and monitors incineration plants, ensuring compliance with air quality standards and environmental protection policies.
• Legislative Council (LegCo): Provides oversight and reviews policies related to waste management and incineration development.
• Close collaboration with Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen helps leverage regional experience in WtE technologies and waste management.

Key Legislation & Standards

• Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035: Sets vision and strategic directions to minimize landfill use and maximize waste recovery via WtE and recycling.
• Emission standards comply with rigorous control of dioxins, particulates, NOx, SO2, and other pollutants using best available technology.
• Air Pollution Control Ordinance: Enforced to regulate emissions and public health impacts from incineration.
• Compliance with international conventions on hazardous waste and environmental protection.

Hong Kong is commissioning its first modern WtE incinerator in 2025 (I·PARK1), with advanced emission control and energy recovery systems, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Environmental Protection Department and aligned with its Waste Blueprint for 2035 vision.