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
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.
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.
