Hong Kong's waste charging scheme delayed to August 1

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan announced on Friday that a scheme to charge Hong Kong residents for each bag of rubbish they throw will be delayed again, with the scheme to take effect on August 1.

The long-awaited waste charging scheme was due to come into force on April 1, having already been pushed back once last year.

He said government departments and selected buildings in the city will conduct pilot tests in advance starting April 1, serving as demonstrations to enhance public understanding of the scheme.

These tests also serve as rehearsals, helping to identify and address minor issues in advance, said Tse.

The environment chief said he noted mixed reviews in society over the past week, while a large proportion of the public were unable to comprehend the details of the scheme.

He believed more time is needed to provide with the general public a more specific explanation of the measures, describing this approach as innovative and responsible, which could help facilitate the smooth implementation of the scheme in future.

(Updated 4.01 pm)