Catering veteran says waste charge scheme a lose-lose situation

Simon Wong Kit-lung, chairman of catering chain LH Group, said the new waste charging scheme set to take place in Hong Kong will be a lose-lose situation.

Speaking to a radio program on Friday, Wong said it will cost him an extra HK$3 million to buy designated rubbish bags and HK$2 million to hire more staff for the group’s 50 eateries.

He also raised concerns that the restaurants will be too understaffed to handle food waste.

According to authorities, recycling points will be set up across the city for restaurants to bring in their food waste.

Commenting on the measure, the catering veteran said it will not be a solution to reducing waste in Hong Kong.

"It seems like an unpleasant task. In a time when hiring dishwashers is difficult, who would be in charge of sorting out the food waste? I suppose many restaurants won't be able to find a solution,

"For now, [restaurants] might just pay for it as long as they don't violate the law. This could result in a lose-lose situation because more money is spent, but Hong Kong's waste is not reduced." Wong added.