Hong Kong set to launch trial run of waste-charging scheme, but participants still unclear about rules
- Fourteen different premises involved in trial, with government-approved bags issued without charge and authorities to collect information
- Some people, however, have already said they fear the scheme, to launch in August, will not work as hoped
Hong Kong is gearing up for a trial run of the long-delayed municipal solid waste charging scheme on Monday at more than a dozen premises, but some members of the public and restaurateurs have said they are still unclear about the rules.
The trial run covers 14 different premises, including public and private housing estates, a government office block, shopping centres, care homes and restaurants, with authorities providing approved garbage bags free of charge. The government will collect information to gauge preparedness for the official start of the scheme in August.
At Lin Tsui Estate in Chai Wan, a single block public housing estate of about 280 households, most flats had already collected 30 government garbage bags of 15 litres each from the building’s reception.
They were also allowed to opt for the regular white garbage bags instead of the green ones provided by the government.
But some people said they were not convinced the scheme was a practical proposition.
“I am not quite sure if the scheme will work here,” Jennifer Tsang, who is in her thirties, said. “If we cook every day, the 15-litre bag is a bit too small – we may need to use an extra bag or take our food waste downstairs for recycling.”
