New wildlife-resistant refuse collection facilities in service; AFCD tries again

25 June 2021 rsbradbeer ENVIRONMENT 0

^{A large rubbish bin that prevents monkey raids. The tightly closed lid stops monkeys from obtaining garbage directly upon opening the lid, while the foot pedal allows the public to open the lid easily. Photo: AFCD}

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced yesterday (24/6) that three newly designed types of wildlife-resistant refuse collection facilities are now in service after the completion of field trials and surveys to further reduce nuisance caused by wild animals such as wild pigs and monkeys rummaging through outdoor refuse collection facilities for food. This is the latest in many attempts to design and install such refuse bins, many previous attempts ending ignominiously.

The Government commissioned the Public Design Lab of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as the consultant to improve the designs of refuse collection facilities in 2019. Three newly designed types of wildlife-resistant rubbish bins and litter containers were then introduced. The new designs can hinder wild animals in searching for food at the facilities, thereby reducing nuisance caused by wild animals.

^{A large rubbish bin designed to block wild pig raids. 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. Photo: AFCD}

“The Government placed the three newly designed types of bins and containers at over 70 locations across 14 districts in Hong Kong where wild animal nuisance is commonly found, including wild pig nuisance black spots in Central and Western District, Southern District and Sai Kung District. Three rounds of field trials were also conducted. The consultant has all along been adjusting and enhancing the designs of the bins and containers according to field observation of wild animals’ reactions to the newly designed refuse collection facilities, usage by cleaning workers and members of the public, and survey findings,” an AFCD spokesman said.

^{A newly designed roadside litter container that prevents wild animals from snatching garbage directly through the opening. The newly designed 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 railing or a lamppost, preventing upending by wild animals.}

The survey found that nearly 80 per cent of the interviewees agreed that the new designs could effectively reduce wildlife nuisance. Furthermore, the consultant also pointed out that co-operation of members of the public and proper use of refuse collection facilities are the keys to preventing wildlife nuisance, for example not leaving household refuse outside litter containers and not feeding wild animals.

The AFCD will share the new designs with related departments. They can continue to place the newly designed refuse collection facilities in suitable sites on a needs basis to reduce nuisance caused by wild animals searching for food.