The glow of the Mid-Autumn Festival fades, but the remnants of the celebration often linger—specifically, countless mooncake boxes and tins stacked in homes across Hong Kong. In 2026, residents no longer have to wonder what to do with them. A robust coalition of food giants, environmental groups, and government initiatives has mobilized to transform this post-holiday clutter into valuable rewards. From dining vouchers to supermarket credits, here is how Hong Kongers can recycle their way to savings while contributing to a circular economy.
Maxim’s Group: A Territory-Wide Recycling Bonanza
Leading the charge is Maxim’s Group, which is activating its most extensive mooncake box recycling drive yet. Until October 18, 2026, citizens can drop off any brand’s clean mooncake tins or paper boxes at 454 collection points scattered across all 18 districts. For those visiting 71 designated shopping mall locations, a quick smartphone scan of a staff-provided QR code unlocks a haul of dining e-vouchers. The rewards are substantial: a HK$50 discount on HK$250 spent at their Chinese restaurants, HK$8 off at Maxim’s MX, and discounts at Maxim’s Cakes, 东海堂, and Shake Shack, totaling up to HK$73 in savings per household.
Kee Wah Bakery and Greeners Action: Targeted Takes for Tins and Boxes
The established bakery Kee Wah is focusing specifically on metal tins this year. From September 21 to October 20, clean tins can be dropped at participating shopping malls including Golden Coast Plaza and others. In return, participants receive a HK$20 discount voucher on in-store purchases, with S+ REWARDS members earning double. The collected tins are donated to the charity Christian Action.
Simultaneously, the environmental NGO Greeners Action is running its “Mooncake Box Recycling Campaign” for corporate and residential estates. They are accepting paper and metal boxes, ensuring the materials are processed by certified local recyclers. Interested properties must sign up by September 18 to participate.
Convenience Meets Sustainability: Green at Community & Comvita
The Government’s Green at Community (綠在區區) scheme offers unparalleled convenience with 12 permanent stations, 82 regular collection points, and roughly 600 mobile locations island-wide. By depositing clean boxes here, users earn “Green Rewards” points which can be exchanged for supermarket cash vouchers and Alipay credits, making every drop-off count.
In a unique health-focused partnership, Comvita and recycling specialist Mil Mill are running a dedicated drive until October 4. Donors who bring any clean mooncake packaging—tins, paper boxes, or plastic bags—to a Comvita store or the “Mil Bus” mobile collection point and subscribe to their WhatsApp channel receive a HK$50 voucher for their Mānuka honey or supplement range.
Mastering the Art of Recyclable Preparation
Regardless of where you recycle, proper preparation is crucial to ensure the materials can be processed. Here are the universal steps:
- Empty the box completely and wipe away any residue
- Remove all non-paper materials, such as ribbons, plastic handles, or metal clasps
- Separate the plastic inner tray and recycle it with general plastics, not paper
- Ensure paper boxes are free of grease and food stains to avoid contaminating the entire batch
Broader Impact
With millions of mooncake boxes discarded annually in Hong Kong, these initiatives are a critical tool in the city’s waste reduction strategy. By directly rewarding participation, groups like Maxim’s, Kee Wah, Comvita, and Green at Community are making sustainability an accessible and immediately gratifying action for every resident. Before tossing your boxes in the bin, check the deadlines and drop-off locations above to give them a second life and earn something back in return.