The Environmental Protection Department is working  with the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Hong Kong Organic Resources Centre on a set of compost standards for the use of compost in Hong Kong. The results are expected to be published soon.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao briefed lawmakers on the tendering of the waste composting plants' operation in Sha Ling and Ngau Tam Mei and the provision of livestock waste collection services.

Dr Liao said prior to determining the scope of service for this current tender, the Environmental Protection Department carried out an initial evaluation of available alternative technologies.

It has also considered the possibility of increasing the compost quantity at the Sha Ling and Ngau Tam Mei Composting Plants to relieve pressure at the landfills.

Taking into account the available area at Sha Ling and Ngau Tam Mei, the evaluation concluded that the existing aeration composting technology, force aeration composting and in-vessel composting are appropriate.

She said it would be prudent to establish a long-term strategy for the management and treatment of livestock waste pending the decision from the Government on the voluntary scheme for the surrender of pig farm licences, before making substantial changes to the composting requirements at Sha Ling and Ngau Tam Mei.

"As the current livestock waste collection and compost contract will expire shortly, the Government has decided that a new contract should be awarded to continue to provide the existing service, covering the operation and maintenance of the composting plants as well as maintaining the livestock waste collection service for over 360 farms," she said.

Overseas standards considered

In determining the compost standards for the current tender, the Government made reference to the existing compost characteristics and quality from the composting plant and considered relevant standards from other countries.

The tender requires the treatment of 700 tonnes of livestock waste each month, while the future contractor is encouraged to improve the composting process with a view to increasing the treatment capacity to produce more compost.

The contractor is required to collect about 200 tonnes of livestock waste from farms daily. Of this, about 23 tonnes are delivered to the composting plants while the rest is disposed of at landfills.