Survey: 72pc against reviving waste-charging, fear costs amid better recycling habits

About 72 percent of Hongkongers believe now is not the right time for the government to roll out the municipal solid waste-charging scheme, citing increased economic pressure, according to a survey by Sing Tao News Corporation.

More than 80 percent of respondents also agreed that public awareness of, and participation in, waste reduction and recycling are steadily rising, with many actively cutting down on waste and taking part in recycling efforts.

The findings come as the government prepares to outline the future direction of the waste-charging scheme later this year, following the suspension of the scheme last year, along with efforts to expand recycling facilities and stepping up publicity and education to drive waste reduction.

To gauge public sentiment, Sing Tao News Corporation—parent company of The Standard—conducted an online questionnaire from August 22 to 28, drawing 8,312 responses.

Results showed 72 percent felt the government should not implement waste-charging at this stage, mainly due to the added financial burden on residents. Other reasons included insufficient recycling facilities and an unfavorable economic climate.

Twelve percent said the government should not use punitive measures to promote waste reduction and recycling. Only 21 percent felt the timing was suitable to introduce the scheme.

In recent years, the government has expanded recycling facilities and boosted publicity and education on waste reduction and recycling.

Environmental Protection Department figures show landfill waste disposal dropped from a peak of 11,358 tonnes per day in 2021 to 10,510 tonnes in 2024, representing a 7.5 percent decrease. Over the same period, per capita waste disposal decreased from 1.53 kilograms per day to 1.4 kilograms, representing a reduction of 8.5 percent.

Meanwhile, the recycling rate climbed from 28 percent in 2020 to 33 percent in 2023.

The survey also found over 80 percent "strongly agree" or "agree" that public awareness and participation in waste reduction and recycling are on the rise.

More than 70 percent agreed that members of the public and restaurants generally embrace the "food wise" culture, actively reduce food waste, find recycling facilities such as “Green@Community” and food waste bins more accessible than before, and observe that most malls and shops have adopted measures like installing recycling bins and reducing plastic bag distribution.

In daily life, 95 percent said they often or sometimes reduce waste by avoiding food leftovers, requesting “no cutlery” for takeaways, using reusable bags, making full use of items, and donating old goods. Meanwhile, 86 percent said they often or sometimes sort and recycle their waste.

Looking ahead, respondents suggested the government provide more convenient recycling facilities and rely more on incentives than penalties to encourage waste reduction.

Lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan, chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, noted the government’s original plan last year “would have had a wide impact on the whole society and members of the public.”

“If the government were to implement waste-charging again at the present stage, it must consider the current economic environment, the operational difficulties of industries, and living burdens of the members of the public,” Lau said, adding that “at present it is indeed not a suitable time to implement the relevant scheme.”

On reducing waste at the source, Lau said the government could enhance publicity and education and consider regulation for excessively packaged goods.

“The government could increase recycling facilities and extend the service hours of recycling points to facilitate working members of the public and increase the public’s participation in recycling,” he added.

Lau believes Hong Kong already established a culture of waste reduction and “food wise,” and with waste disposal falling and recycling rates rising, “there is therefore no need to use charging as a means to promote waste reduction and recycling.”