Trial is 'not a waste' as problems identified and awareness raised

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The waste pricing plan has been officially scrapped, with the government saying it will review its possible fate in the middle of next year after stepping up waste reduction work in the city.

More than HK$170 million has been spent on the project, including HK$30 million on promotions, since it was passed by the Legislative Council three years ago.

But Environment and Ecology Secretary Tse Chin-wan yesterday denied the trials, which began last month at 14 sites, were a “waste” since the government learned more about the problem and that the public has been made aware.

At a joint meeting of Legco's panels on environmental affairs, food safety and environmental hygiene, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said more than 70 percent of Hong Kongers were against launching the program as planned and that “changing the habits of 7.5 million people” people cannot be killed in haste. »

Cheuk added: “Surveys have shown that most people have reservations about implementation and that we have not yet developed a thorough recycling culture.

“In the face of such strong opposition and public concern, postponing implementation is the correct, responsible and only solution. »

He said the government would closely monitor the changing habits of citizens regarding waste disposal and reduction to decide the next step.

Tse said that for six months, starting next month, the government would distribute 20 free designated bags to every household in public housing estates every month, while frontline workers could maintain their current working pattern.

A waste reduction and recycling charter program will also be launched, and private residential property management companies are encouraged to join the program to obtain designated bags free of charge, he added.

He admitted the lack of food waste recycling facilities, but added that authorities were planning to expand them in the coming year. To encourage greater use of recycling facilities, the government will increase rewards so people can exchange their points for vouchers.

No timetable has been set and it will be decided based on the social acceptance of the project, Tse said.

The government signed a contract worth more than 1 billion Hong Kong dollars with designated bag manufacturers.

One manufacturer said it expects the program will not resume anytime soon and will therefore seek legal advice regarding its contract.

Tse responded that there were no default issues with the designated bag manufacturers, as the contract did not require the number of bags to be produced.

Hong Kong Housing Institute president Patricia Chang Yuk-kam hopes the government will continue public education, especially from early childhood.

She also urged the government to reveal a timetable as soon as possible so that property management companies can prepare in advance.

Lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan said charging is not the only method of promoting waste reduction and suggested the government first strengthen advertising.

MP Chan Siu-hung expressed disappointment with the decision and said distributing designated bags would be of no use as they would simply be hoarded.

Environmental protection organization Friends of the Earth (HK) suggested authorities conduct testing in phases.

Greenpeace has advocated for a producer responsibility system to regulate large-scale businesses.

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Editorial: Wasted time and chances