Government is tackling Hong Kong’s waste problem on multiple fronts

The government is determined to tackle the waste problem in Hong Kong and has been taking concurrent action on multiple fronts.

To avoid waste at the source, it is necessary to nurture a “Use Less, Waste Less” culture in this city. With the government taking the lead, bureaus and departments have been advised not to use bottled water when organising or attending events and meetings. To take things a step further, we have decided to stop the sale of plastic bottled water (one litre or less) in all automatic vending machines under contracts to be tendered after February 20 on government premises.

Following the introduction of producer responsibility schemes, or PRS, on e-waste and glass beverage bottles, we have kicked-started a feasibility study on introducing another PRS on plastic beverage and personal care products containers to promote their recycling.

On top of these, we will also be introducing the quantity-based municipal solid waste charging to provide a key drive for waste reduction and recycling.

To help the public to practise separation of waste for recycling, we have set up a Community Recycling Network, or CRN covering various districts across the territory.