Hong Kong's controversial pay-as-you-throw waste scheme could face further delays as environment secretary Tse Chin-wan acknowledges overwhelming public opposition, with a majority of residents rejecting its implementation in current conditions.
The scheme, which would require residents to pay for waste disposal using designated bags, was initially postponed last year amid concerns over its complexity and public readiness. The government has since conducted outreach to assess community views.
Speaking to a radio program on Tuesday morning, Tse acknowledged that while the pay-as-you-throw policy has proven effective in waste reduction globally, local sentiment suggests Hong Kong is not yet ready for its rollout.
He said initial surveys indicate that many citizens prefer not to see the scheme implemented immediately, emphasizing the need to balance environmental goals with economic and social impacts.
Authorities will continue gathering feedback before presenting further details to the Legislative Council later this year, he added.
Incineration expansion to handle waste burden
Meanwhile, Tse outlined progress on Hong Kong’s waste management infrastructure, noting that the city’s first waste-to-energy incinerator will begin operations by year-end.
With a capacity of 3,000 tonnes daily, the facility—alongside a second plant slated for tender—will eventually process 9,000 tonnes of waste collectively.
However, projections indicate future waste volumes could exceed 10,000 tonnes, potentially necessitating a third incinerator.
Tse pointed to recent success in waste reduction—over 1,000 tonnes cut in three years—as a hopeful sign.
"If we can reduce another 1,000 tonnes, keeping total waste below 9,000 tonnes, a third facility may be avoidable," said Tse.
