Global Major Cities Guide

Macao has a well-organized waste management system aimed at reducing waste generation and promoting proper disposal.

Service Overview: Household waste is collected daily by the Macao Waste Systems Company (CSR), under the supervision of the DSPA.
Costs: Waste collection services are funded by the government, so residents and businesses do not pay direct fees for regular waste disposal.
Procedures:
- Residents should dispose of household waste in designated bins located throughout the city.
- Waste should be properly bagged to prevent littering and odors.
Local Considerations:
- Large or bulky waste (e.g., furniture, appliances) requires special arrangements for disposal. Residents can contact CSR for assistance.

Businesses are responsible for managing their waste and may need to contract private waste disposal services for large-scale or hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste (e.g., medical or chemical waste) must be handled according to strict regulations. Contact DSPA for guidance.

Macao has implemented several recycling initiatives to encourage waste reduction and resource recovery.

Locations: Recycling bins for paper, plastics, metals, and glass are widely available in public areas, residential neighborhoods, and commercial zones.
Procedures:
- Residents and visitors are encouraged to separate recyclables and place them in the appropriate bins.
- Items should be clean and free of food residue to ensure proper recycling.

Service Overview: Macao has several recycling centers where residents can drop off larger quantities of recyclable materials.
Costs: Free of charge.
Locations: Check the DSPA website or contact their hotline for the nearest recycling center.

Service Overview: The DSPA operates an e-waste recycling program for items like old computers, mobile phones, and other electronics.
Procedures:
- Residents can drop off e-waste at designated collection points or recycling centers.
- Some retailers also offer take-back programs for old electronics when purchasing new items.

The DSPA actively monitors air and water quality in Macao to ensure a healthy environment for residents and visitors.

Service Overview: Macao has a network of air quality monitoring stations that provide real-time data on pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.
Accessing Information:
- Air quality updates are available on the DSPA website and mobile app.
- Residents and visitors can check the Air Quality Index (AQI) to plan outdoor activities.
Local Considerations:
- During periods of high pollution (e.g., due to regional smog), residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks if necessary.

Service Overview: The DSPA monitors the quality of Macao’s drinking water and coastal waters.
Drinking Water:
- Tap water in Macao is generally safe for consumption, but many residents prefer to boil it or use water filters.
Coastal Waters:
- Water quality at beaches is regularly tested, and results are published on the DSPA website. Swimming is discouraged during red tide events or other pollution incidents.

Macao promotes environmental awareness and sustainability through various public programs and campaigns.

Examples:
- "No Plastic Bag Day": Encourages residents to reduce plastic bag usage by charging a small fee for plastic bags at retail stores.
- "Earth Hour": Macao participates in this global initiative by turning off non-essential lights for one hour annually.
Participation: Open to all residents and visitors.

Green Points Program:
- Residents can earn "green points" by participating in recycling activities, which can be redeemed for small rewards.
- Registration is required via the DSPA website or app.
Tree Planting Activities:
- Organized by the DSPA and local NGOs to promote reforestation and urban greening.

The DSPA conducts workshops, school programs, and public exhibitions to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Materials are available in Chinese, Portuguese, and English to cater to Macao’s multilingual population.

Macao has specific regulations to ensure environmental protection and sustainability.

Retailers are required to charge MOP 1 (approximately USD 0.12) per plastic bag to discourage single-use plastics.

Construction activities are regulated to minimize noise and air pollution, especially in residential areas.
Residents can report violations to the DSPA hotline.

Littering and illegal dumping are strictly prohibited and subject to fines. Residents and visitors should use designated waste bins.

Smoking is prohibited in most public areas, including parks and beaches, to reduce litter and air pollution.

DSPA Contact Information:
- Website: www.dspa.gov.mo
- Hotline: +853 2876 2626
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android, providing real-time updates on air quality, recycling locations, and more.
Office Location:
- DSPA headquarters is located in the Macao Government Services Building. Visitors can inquire in person for detailed assistance.

Be Mindful of Recycling: Follow the signage on recycling bins to ensure proper sorting of materials.
Stay Updated on Air Quality: Check the DSPA app or website, especially during the summer months when air pollution can be higher.
Participate in Green Programs: Join community initiatives to contribute to Macao’s sustainability efforts.
Respect Local Regulations: Avoid littering, illegal dumping, and excessive use of plastic bags to avoid fines and support environmental conservation.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the services provided by the DSPA, residents and visitors can contribute to a cleaner, greener Macao.