Decision on implementing waste scheme up in the air

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki says it is premature to make a decision regarding the implementation of the waste charging scheme on August 1 or to postpone it.

Chan said the government will gather public feedback and collect sufficient data from the ongoing trial run which commenced on April 1 before determining the next course of action.

"The government is piloting to improve and strengthen the scheme in detail, as well as avoid controversies when implementing it citywide," Chan said.

But former political assistant to the secretary for the environment Michelle Au Wing-tsz expressed concern that shelving the scheme could lead to societal division and contradict the administrative direction of the past four government terms.

She emphasized that waste charging had been proposed by the administration as early as 1998 and should remain a priority for a responsible government.

Au believed that the policy aimed to incentivize citizens to recycle and reduce waste through charging, which she viewed as the driving force behind waste reduction initiatives.

"Without waste charging, Hong Kong will be burdened with endless landfills and face exorbitant costs of constructing incinerators," she warned.

Au expressed her concerns that environmental protection efforts would be reduced to mere slogans without the implementation of waste charging.

Former undersecretary for environment Christine Loh Kung-wai urged the government to proceed with the scheme despite the challenges it presents.

Loh said the scheme is already enshrined in law, and citizens should focus on finding solutions to difficulties rather than resisting it.

"The scheme should be implemented as scheduled, even amidst the ongoing heated discussions in society," she said.

In the following week, the government plans to conduct an anonymous survey at 14 locations, enlisting the assistance of district councillors to gather opinions and trial experiences from residents, frontline cleaners and relevant sectors.

Lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon emphasized the importance of designing the survey questions carefully.

She suggested conducting online questionnaires to reach a broader audience.

Kong also proposed the possibility of postponing the scheme if the response is unfavorable, as a hasty implementation may discourage citizens from participating.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com