Expansion of landfills will not solve waste disposal problems
I am opposed to proposals to expand the landfill at Tseung Kwan O.
Officials argue that it is the fastest and cheapest way to deal with the waste disposal problem. However, our main concern should be the environment.
This is a heavily-populated city and we only have limited space. Are there any locations where it would be appropriate to build [or extend] a large landfill? And where do we stop? In future, every time we run of space to put our waste we will have to expand another landfill.
The government needs to have more public consultation in an effort to come up with environmentally-friendly policies. Recycling is the only way solution. More recycling bins should be placed on our streets to make it easier for people to recycle.
Building incinerators can also help us avoid having to expand landfills. The government can carry out surveys to determine which districts generate the largest amount of waste. Citizens would be told that incinerators would be built in the district with the worst record. Knowing this could happen would encourage citizens to recycle more and discard fewer items. Also, it would be a fairer system.
Expanding landfills sends the wrong message to Hongkongers. It gives them the impression that they can still act with casual indifference.
