Policy Address
Waste Management
128. Notwithstanding our achievements in decarbonisation, waste reduction remains a major challenge for Hong Kong. The Government introduced the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018 into the LegCo two years ago. Waste reduction is a global trend and is conducive to mitigating climate change. Municipal solid waste charging, as the main driving force behind waste reduction, will not only drive enterprises and the public to practise waste reduction and recycling, but also facilitate the sustainable development of related industries and the creation of green job opportunities when the quality and quantity of recyclables collected is enhanced. I welcome the decision of the LegCo House Committee to form a Bills Committee again to study the Bill in this legislative year, and hope that the Bill can be passed as early as possible. The Environmental Protection Department has progressively launched complementary measures to promote waste reduction and recycling.
129. The Government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to diversify outlets for local waste paper, including the implementation of a waste paper collection and recycling services programme, and the plan to tender for the development of a modern pulping facility in EcoPark, Tuen Mun. The latest waste paper pulping technology has the benefits of higher efficiency in land use and greater reduction in energy consumption and operating costs, and pulp products are generally not subject to import restrictions. Therefore, it will suit the local situation better and transform waste to resources more effectively. We expect to invite tenders in the first half of 2021 and the pulping facility is expected to commence operation by 2024.
