Cheuk to oversee trial of waste-charging scheme

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing will lead an inter-departmental group overseeing the trial run of the waste-charging scheme at 14 premises, including public housing estates and government buildings, starting on Monday.

This trial run aims to enable the government to develop practical plans for the citywide launch of the scheme on August 1.

During a panel discussion on environmental affairs, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said the government would carefully assess any issues that may arise.

"The government will evaluate the scheme's impact on various stakeholders, such as waste producers, frontline cleaners, and waste collectors, and gather data and opinions," Tse said.

Tse added that free designated trash bags and labels will be provided to all premises participating. Originally scheduled to commence on April 1, the scheme has been postponed to August 1 to allow for more public awareness. Government departments and selected premises will proceed as planned.

The 14 premises in the trial include the West Kowloon government offices, two public housing estates, three private residential buildings, two malls, two residential care homes, and four restaurants.

However, some legislative and district councillors raised concerns and made suggestions.

Legco member Chu Kwok-keung from the education sector voiced disappointment that no schools were included, citing concerns about inadequate resources.

Chu questioned whether the government would allocate more resources to alleviate the burden on kindergartens under the scheme.

His Legco colleague, Lo Wai-kwok, proposed a postponement of the scheme until the completion of the first incinerator for solid waste, I.PARK1, expected next year due to the lack of recycling facilities.

Lau Kwok-fan inquired whether the scheme would be postponed or implemented in phases if unsatisfactory.

Tse said the government would address school-related issues separately and that trials in schools were unnecessary.

He also emphasized that recycling facilities, including recycling bins in estates and buildings, could cater to needs.

Eastern councillor Lam Wing-shing expressed hygiene concerns over Lin Tsui Estate, one of the selected public housing estates in Chai Wan.

Lam said residents worry about the adequacy of cleaners to carry out daily tasks, garbage sorting, and data recording.

Green Earth executive director Edwin Lau Che-feng said the trial was not extensive or representative, as it did not include hotels, schools, and exhibition venues.

Lau also said the absence of the Central Government Offices, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Environment and Ecology Bureau from the pilot does not instill confidence.