The waste-charging scheme will be indefinitely postponed instead of being implemented on August 1 as the government announces the fate of the controversial campaign today.
However, sources said the government will continue to distribute free designated bags to public housing estates and schools. Private housing residents may also receive free bags.
The administration will increase recycling facilities in the meantime.
In a document submitted to the Legislative Council panel on environmental affairs and the panel on food safety and environmental hygiene on May 24, the Environment and Ecology Bureau said many residents - participated in the trial run, which started in 14 premises last month - complained the scheme was a "public disturbance" and some considered the new charge a heavy burden.
The bureau said frontline workers have also experienced a significant increase in workload and handling improperly bagged rubbish.
"They expressed concerns about the possibility of getting into disputes with residents or even inadvertently breaching the law. Some even mentioned they would consider changing jobs for these reasons," the bureau said.
Restaurants, tenants and residential care homes felt the squeeze on operating costs, with some care homes saying they would need 5 to 30 percent extra manpower to comply with the new law.
"We have learned that the prevailing waste disposal practices of residents, the workflow of frontline cleaning workers and the operational practices of tenants, restaurants and residential care homes are deeply entrenched due to the long-standing practice of free waste disposal," the bureau said.
"The public and various business sectors require time to gradually change their habits, mindsets, modes of operation and practices."
Lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong's sole delegate to the National People's Congress, supported postponing the scheme but urged the government to continue to educate the public on waste reduction.
"I sincerely hope the government will present a practical roadmap to promote recycling," Lee said.
She also urged the government to announce specific plans for handling solid waste and the construction of incinerators.
Lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan said it should gradually promote the scheme based on the economic situation, recycling facilities and the effects of education instead of setting a fixed launch date.
Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun said it should implement the scheme as scheduled but set a one-year adaptation period, during which people can get free designated bags, to help change their habits.
Hong Kong Association of Property Services Agents chairman Poon Kin-leung said it would not affect the sector too much if the government postpones the scheme, while residents may need to discuss with management companies how to handle the additional fees collected for the scheme.
A citizen, Leung, said he supports the scheme but feels the government needs more time to develop a more practical plan and review supporting facilities.
Another, Chou, said it should consider the demands of different classes and estates' management and cooperation.
Yet another, Hui, said it should scrap the scheme and promote education.
Edwin Lau Che-feng, executive director of environmental protection group Green Earth, urged the government to set a specific implementation date and start the scheme as scheduled on August 1 in government buildings and dormitories to serve as models.
ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com
