Hong Kong must expand recycling efforts if waste-charging scheme is to help bring down overall level of trash, experts say

Environmental experts urge government to improve recycling system to make it easier for residents to cut down on waste

Official admits there will be ‘challenges’ in lead-up to implementation of charging scheme, which is slated to begin in second half of 2023

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Hong Kong’s recycling rate has been flagging in recent years, hovering at just 29 per cent of the 15,637 tonnes of municipal solid waste sent to landfill in 2019. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 7:00am, 7 Sep 2021

Hong Kong must expand its recycling efforts if authorities want a new law charging residents for their rubbish to bring down the overall level of trash, environmental experts have said.

While authorities had pledged to increase funding for recycling to HK$1 billion (US$128.6 million) in 2023, one of the biggest hurdles to an effective programme remained food waste, they warned on Monday.

Officials from the Environmental Protection Department acknowledged last week that residents had a “lack of trust” in the recycling system and admitted implementing the waste-charging scheme would be a challenge. But the 18-month run-up would be time enough to get ready, they argued.

“There will be challenges during these 18 months, but even so, we are confident we can start the waste-charging scheme by the second half of 2023,” said Bruno Luk Kar-kin, a deputy director of environmental protection.

Residents must used designated plastic bags, which come in 11 sizes, to dispose of their trash. Photo: Nora Tam

Green groups criticised lawmakers over the long lead time they incorporated into the waste-charging legislation and passed last month, some 16 years after the scheme was first proposed.