Don’t let coronavirus waste overwhelm Hong Kong’s landfills in 2021
- In 2019, Hong Kong fell short on several key waste reduction targets. The continuing use of disposable face masks, popularity of online shopping and food delivery will only exacerbate the problem
As we step into 2021, all of humanity is hoping that the worst impact on our economy, society and environment of the Covid-19 pandemic will soon pass. This was the general theme of the New Year messages I received from my friends.
For example, the daily per capita municipal solid waste disposal rate dropped only from 1.53kg in 2018 to 1.47kg in 2019, a negligible amount in terms of the 2022 target of 0.8kg.
Another example is the overall waste recycling rate: in 2010, it was 52 per cent. Since then, it has declined continuously to 29 per cent in 2019, far short of the 2022 target of 55 per cent. The paper recycling rate dropped from 41 per cent in 2018 to 35 per cent in 2019.
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Are our policies are unrealistic? Or are the authorities simply not implementing them effectively?
A fourth area of concern is the recycling rate of plastic. Although it increased slightly in 2019, it is still only 8 per cent.
The EcoPark is a government initiative supposedly aimed at supporting the local recycling industry. However, we keep hearing of successful bidders who handle food waste, paper and plastic deciding to exit the EcoPark. Those who remain are struggling to obtain locally generated waste material to process in their plants.
They complain that their business projections were based on a key action promised in the 2013 blueprint – the passage of municipal solid waste charging legislation and the setting up of producer responsibility schemes.
Moreover, the Basel Convention controlling the international movement of toxic waste has tightened restrictions on plastic waste. The new rules, which came into effect this month, mean that Hong Kong recyclers will face fresh difficulties in exporting recyclables.
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The government might argue that the average disposable face mask is rather light and therefore won’t add much pressure to landfills. However, the huge quantity of masks and potential hazards to public health and the ecosystem cannot be taken lightly.
We are likely to continue using disposable masks for much of 2021, as health experts have encouraged people to keep wearing face masks even after they have been vaccinated.
To protect ourselves and the environment from the harm caused by Covid-19 and other environmental crises, we must make changes to our behaviour and lifestyle. Simple steps such as choosing reusable items, conserving energy, reducing meat consumption, and shopping according to actual need rather than limitless desire will all help to restore our planet’s health.
The hard times of 2020 won’t be carried forward if we all turn a green page in 2021.
Edwin Lau Che-feng is executive director of The Green Earth. [email protected]