Waste charging trial needs time: CE

April 9, 2024

Chief Executive John Lee:

I think we have made the Government’s position on waste charging (Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) charging) very clear. It is already the law of Hong Kong, so the Government has to think of a proper way to implement it, to take it forward. 

We have launched (the MSW Charging Demonstration Scheme) to test its implementation at 14 locations comprising different characteristics, including government buildings, commercial buildings, catering businesses, care homes, and also public (housing) estates. 

The purpose is to collect data as to the participation rate, the overall supporting facilities, and steps that need to be considered if we are to take forward the waste charging scheme. 

We will be collecting views from participants, as well as different sectors. Of course, we will listen to opinions of the public because the waste charging scheme is going to affect the whole population of Hong Kong. 

But the Government’s position remains clear. We want to ensure that we apprehend and comprehend the real situation fully, so that we (can) decide the way forward. We will announce our decision once we have come to that stage. 

We have already indicated that by maybe May or June we will be making that decision and making an announcement. So, I think we should give time to this trial scheme.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

By running the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging Demonstration Scheme, the Government seeks to fully assess the situation on waste charging and decide on a way forward, Chief Executive John Lee said today.

A bill passed by the Legislative Council stipulates that MSW charging will be implemented across the city. Before it comes into full force, however, 14 premises have been selected to participate in a demonstration scheme that began on April 1. The selected premises include government buildings, commercial buildings, catering outlets, care homes and public housing estates.

Throughout the test-run, the Government will collect data in relation to the MSW participation rate, overall supporting facilities, and the factors that need to be considered for Hong Kong to take forward its waste charging plans forward.

In response to reporters’ questions at a media session before this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee said: “I think we have made the Government’s position on waste charging very clear. It is already the law of Hong Kong, so the Government has to think of a proper way to implement it.

“We will be collecting views from participants, as well as different sectors. Of course, we will listen to opinions of the public because the waste charging scheme is going to affect the whole population of Hong Kong.”

The Government may make a further announcement in May or June following the MSW trial, Mr Lee added.

“I think we should give time to this trial scheme,” he stressed.