European view of waste burners inspires local lawmakers
Waste-to-energy incineration experts say people in their countries have embraced the technology that is so controversial here
Lawmakers were impressed yesterday by stories of waste incineration projects in European countries - some of which were met with zero opposition and even public support.
Overseas experts, in town for a solid waste conference, had an informal meeting with environment panel legislators to discuss Hong Kong's incineration plan, which is currently stalled by a legal challenge.
They also took questions from the public regarding their experiences and the choice of technology in a forum hosted by Baptist University last night.
The Civic Party's Dr Kenneth Chan Ka-lok was puzzled by Europeans' receptiveness to burning waste. "What some see as business opportunities might be socially undesirable here. But what exactly convinced them?" he asked.
In response, International Co-operation Netherlands' senior adviser Hermann Huisman said that although farmers had doubts about incineration in the past, "there are now no complaints or lawsuits because people know these facilities have good performances".
We even import waste from the United Kingdom and Italy to be incinerated. There are no objections as they are all well-run facilities
"We even import waste from the United Kingdom and Italy to be incinerated. There are no objections as they are all well-run facilities," he said.
