Policy Address

Waste Management

208.         The Government has been pressing ahead with a number of initiatives in accordance with Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources.  Launched in October last year, the Recycling Fund helps upgrade the operational capabilities of the recycling industry.  In parallel with a clean recycling campaign rolled out at the community level and the implementation of Community Green Stations in phases, the Government is vigorously taking forward projects relating to environmental infrastructure and waste-to-energy facilities, along with the extension programmes of landfills. 

209.         Apart from constructing new facilities, the Government is exploring the use of existing sewage treatment works facilities for food waste/sewage sludge anaerobic co-digestion as an additional part of the network of organic waste treatment facilities to help raise the food waste treatment capability.  A pilot trial will be run to confirm the technical feasibility and installation requirements, and preparations will start this year.  The Government will also study the planning of future waste management and transfer facilities.  Based on the concepts of a circular economy and “smart city”, the study will determine the additional waste facilities and technologies needed up to 2041 to support sustainable development. 

210.         To reduce waste, the Government will proactively introduce a quantity-based charging scheme for municipal solid waste.  In addition to the drafting of legislation, the Government is now pursuing measures complementary to the charging scheme.  The Environmental and Conservation Fund has earmarked $50 million to fund community involvement programmes to prepare the community for the implementation of the charging scheme. 

211.         The Government is now reviewing the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme and will explore the direction for long-term development, including the scheme’s interface with municipal solid waste charging.  The Government has put forward a proposal to raise charges to achieve full-cost recovery as soon as practicable, and will introduce legislative proposals accordingly. 

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