GPP Academy - Beyond the Bin: What Happens to Hong Kong’s Waste?

Hong Kong is running out of landfill space. What’s next? 35 participants from 16 companies recently had the opportunity to look at T Park and the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill, during a visit organised as part of Swire Properties’ Green Performance Pledge (GPP) Academy and in collaboration with Veolia Hong Kong. While on-site, they explored the intricacies of waste management and innovative waste-to-energy  solutions in Hong Kong.

Turning Sludge into Power: Inside T · PARK

At T · PARK, attendees saw firsthand how Hong Kong is converting sewage sludge into energy. But this facility isn’t just about waste treatment – it’s about turning a waste into resource.

The tour kicked off at T · HALL, an interactive exhibition space where engaging displays demonstrated the sludge-to-energy journey.

From there, participants explored the facility, where the scale of impact was impossible to ignore:

• 237,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases avoided annually: That’s like taking 50,000 cars off the road each year.
• 90% sludge volume reduction: Less waste, fewer emissions, and a major cut in landfill reliance.
• Energy that powers thousands: The facility generates electricity to power its own operations, with up to 2 megawatt of surplus electricity exported to the public grid – enough to power 4,000 households.

But T · PARK is more than just waste treatment – it’s also about regeneration.

The visit also included T · HABITAT, a restored wetland home to birds, dragonflies and amphibians. With eco-friendly furniture, creative upcycling initiatives and a thriving natural ecosystem, T · PARK is proof that waste solutions can also drive conservation.

Where Hong Kong’s Trash Ends Up – and Why It Matters

At WENT Landfill, the reality of Hong Kong’s waste crisis hits home. Spanning 250 hectares, the site processes 6,600 tonnes of waste daily. This predominantly comprises domestic refuse, with 75% transported to the landfill on marine barges. Health and safety are top priorities for site operators, with measures in place to minimise risks for workers and surrounding communities.

The facility implements key environmental controls:

• 148 million cubic meters of landfill gas captured in 2024: Enough to generate 53 million kWh of electricity, turning waste into an energy source.
  
• 812,000 cubic meters of leachate treated in 2024: Ensures wastewater is properly managed before discharge.
  
• Odor and emissions mitigation: Sophisticated environmental controls to help reduce landfill gas emissions and prevent water pollution.

Originally commissioned in 1993, the landfill is running out of space fast and is expected to reach full capacity within two years—prompting concerns about upcoming challenges.

From Awareness to Action

This wasn’t just a tour—it was a wake-up call. With an average 4.8/5 participant rating, the visit sparked real conversations about corporate waste management and resource recovery.

What’s your company doing to reduce waste and promote the circular economy? Join our next GPP Academy session with SOS (Sustainable Office Solutions) and learn how to incorporate sustainability considerations into your office fit-out process! Get involved today.

The GPP is our flagship programme towards achieving our SD 2030 Strategy and longstanding commitment to fighting climate change, in joint efforts with our office tenants in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Learn more about the programme on the GPP Website.