Time running out on waste charging scheme

If evidence is needed to show that Hong Kong is dragging its feet even in the face of a crisis, the waste charging proposal is the best example. The levy was floated as a solution to our mounting problem of refuse disposal as early as the 1990s. Despite a gradual public consensus on adopting fees to help reduce waste, there are still divergent views on how to go about it. Meanwhile, our landfills are fast filling up. Unless resolute measures are taken, it is only a matter of time before the city will be besieged by rubbish.

Thankfully, the scheme is a step closer to implementation. Following several rounds of public consultations, the government is trying out three charging options at district level. Twenty-two blocks in seven public and private estates, covering 10,000 households, will take part in a voluntary pilot scheme for six months. They will be charged by weight or volume - HK$500 per tonne or HK$66 per bin (660 litres) - with the cost shared by households of the same building. Under the third option, individual households will use pre-paid rubbish bags of various sizes, averaging 10 cents per litre. The environment chief stressed the exercise was not to find the ultimate method, but the experience will help to determine the way forward. The charge is expected to be launched in 2016.

The government is right in trying to find out the pros and cons of each option. Given the wide impact, a cautious approach is understandable. But the trial has its limitations in that the households may not actually have to pay charges, or the fees will be returned at the end of the exercise. A similar trial in 20 estates in 2007 did not yield much. To ensure better results, the government needs to closely monitor progress this time. Households should also use this opportunity to try to reduce their waste. Their serious participation is essential.

Hong Kong cannot afford to waste more time in bringing forward a waste charge. If we do not get it right this time, the target of slashing overall waste per person by 40 per cent by 2022 will remain an elusive goal. It is to be hoped that the pilot scheme will provide a clearer idea on the best way forward.