Organized by International Smart City Research (HK) Institute and Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ), co-organized and sponsored by AEL, the Symposium on Circular Economy and Resource Recovery in Modern City was successfully held at Richmond Hotel, Zhuhai on 25 August. The symposium attracted over 70 guests to join and it served as a learning and networking platform for industry players to meet waste management professionals and experts.

7 distinguished speakers , Prof. Michael Nelles, Scientific Managing Director of German Biomass Research Centre, Prof. Qu Zhiyun, Senior Professor Engineer of China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co Ltd, Dr Stephen Etheridge, Chief Executive Officer of Biotrix Asia Co. Ltd, Dr Anthony Ma, Principal Consultant (Environmental Management) of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Shinichi Suzuki, Senior General Manager of EX Research Institutes Ltd, Mr Dominic Yin, Founder President of International Smart City Research (HK) Institute and Prof. Li Gang, Expertise Member of Engineering Intelligent Design Branch of China Exploration and Design Association, were invited to share their insights on three featured themes: Waste to Energy, Resource Recovery and Smart City. In addition, a session of panel discussion was arranged to exchange with audience on Recycle or Disposal. Panelists, Ms Chan Shan-kun, Chairman of Guangdong Environmental Sanitation Association, Mr Victor Li, Chairman of Hong Kong Waste Management Association and Mr Tobias Huininks, Business Director Asia of ALBA Group, shared their views and interacted with the audience to stimulate knowledge and ideas.

In addition, a site visit to the newly launched MBT plant was arranged to combine technical input, facilitation and practical experience to push the boundaries of a circular economy. Grand Opening Ceremony, another highlight of the event, was held to kick-off the operation of the plant. MBT technology is used to treat municipal solid waste (MSW) while the sorting equipment separate the MSW into three categories. Organic matter with high calorific value will be separated. Through anaerobic digestion, biogas generated is used for generating heat and electricity. The digestate is collected for aerobic composting where the output soil conditioner can be used for gardening and agriculture.