Hong Kong is preparing to launch its first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility at Tuen Mun EcoPark this June, according to the acting secretary for environment and ecology, Diane Wong, who addressed the city’s legislature yesterday.

This development marks a shift in the city’s approach to resource management as the number of electric vehicles on local roads continues to climb. The facility is designed to process retired EV batteries, transforming what was previously considered waste into recycled materials for further use.

The environmental burden of retired batteries is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. With the typical lifespan of an EV battery ranging between five and ten years, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has projected a significant increase in retired stock. 

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Estimates suggest the volume of discarded batteries will grow from approximately 1,300 tonnes in 2026 to reach roughly 6,700 tonnes by 2030. Between 2023 and 2025, local licensed disposal facilities treated around 130 tonnes of retired lithium batteries, primarily for export to authorised treatment facilities overseas.

To ensure comprehensive oversight, the government is looking to introduce a rigorous product traceability system. Under this plan, suppliers distributing EV batteries in the city would be required to register with the EPD and submit regular data, including battery identification numbers, weight, and quantity. 

This full-cycle tracking, spanning from importation and maintenance to ultimate recycling, is currently being discussed with industry stakeholders. The EPD plans to consult the Legislative Council’s Panel on Environmental Affairs on the proposed battery traceability mechanism later in 2026.