AFCD rolls out wildlife-resistant refuse bins

To reduce nuisance caused by wild animals such as wild pigs and monkeys searching for food at outdoor refuse facilities, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) recently rolled out three new designs of wildlife-resistant bins and containers. As the first phase of trial, they are now placed at some of the refuse collection facilities managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), covering more than 40 trial locations across eight districts. The new rubbish bins will be rolled out across Hong Kong, including the Sai Kung Country Park villages.

A spokesperson for the AFCD said, “More and more wild animals like wild pigs and monkeys are raiding refuse collection facilities in the urban fringe areas for food, causing more serious nuisance to the nearby residents. In collaboration with the FEHD and the Environmental Protection Department, the AFCD commissioned a study to improve the existing designs of rubbish bins and litter containers to prevent raids by wild pigs or monkeys.”

The first new design is a large rubbish bin that blocks raids by wild pigs. The rubbish bin is housed in a fenced enclosure fixed to the ground to prevent wild pigs from pushing over the bin. The smaller opening and the roller of the enclosure prevent wild pigs from climbing into the bin.

The second new design is a large rubbish bin that prevents raids by monkeys. The tightly closed lid stops monkeys from obtaining garbage directly from opening the lid, while the foot pedal allows the public to open the lid easily.

The third new design is a roadside litter container which prevents wild animals from obtaining garbage directly from the opening. The new foot pedal mechanism is more durable. The inner bin is also improved to facilitate the unloading of litter by cleaning workers. Arrays of slits on the sides and at the back of the bin make it easier to be secured to a nearby structure such as a railing or a lamppost, preventing upending by wild animals.

The AFCD is working with the other government departments and the contractor to review the effectiveness of the newly designed rubbish bins and litter containers, and will make improvements when necessary.

Members of the public are also urged to take heed of the following advice when they encounter wild pigs:

• Keep calm, stay away and leave wild pigs undisturbed;
• Do not approach any wild pig, including piglets;
• Do not attempt to drive wild pigs away as it is dangerous to provoke them;
• Hide behind barriers such as parapets or fences and wait until the wild pigs leave before you proceed; and
• Do not feed wild pigs.