Hong Kong government removes rubbish bins from hiking trails in a bid to stop littering

The Hong Kong government has taken the bold step of removing rubbish bins from certain hiking trails in a bid to encourage visitors not to litter.

Sounds kind of backwards, we know, but hear them out.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced the snappily-named “Take your litter home” scheme yesterday, which will see trash cans removed from everywhere but the entrance points of Ma On Shan Country Trail, the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail, the Dragon’s Back and the Lantau Trail Section 3.

The one-year trial, which is being supported by 17 green and hiking groups, hopes to reduce rubbish blowing down hillsides from overflowing refuse points, and take away the temptation for wild animals to scavenge through bins.

Secretary for the Environment, Wong Kam-sing, said, “The country parks are popular leisure spots for members of the public and draw more than 11 million visitors every year. The waste collected last year in country parks amounted to some 3,800 tonnes.”

The main culprits are apparently discarded tissues, water bottles and food packaging.

The new drive will also see posters at the entrances to trails urging hikers to take home their crap, and Nature Ambassadors (surely not a real job?) and Park Rangers stepping up patrols and enforcement efforts. 

Photo: Pasu Au Yeung
 


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