The Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme will come into effect tomorrow under which construction waste producers must open a billing account with the Environmental Protection Department in advance for construction waste disposal.

The charges for disposing of one tonne of construction waste at public fill reception facilities, sorting facilities and landfills would be $27, $100 and $125.  Disposal charges will be levied from January 20.

The scheme provides financial incentives to construction waste producers to reduce waste through sorting, re-use and recycling to minimise their disposal costs while helping to preserve valuable landfill space, the department said.

Contractors who undertake projects valued at $1 million or more under a contract must open a billing account solely for the construction waste generated from this project.

They must apply within 21 days after the contract is awarded. Failing to do so will constitute an offence under the law.

Owners can apply direct for projects under $1m

For projects with a contract valued at less than $1 million - such as minor construction or renovation works - owners of the concerned premises or the contractors they engage can open billing accounts directly for their construction waste disposal. 

These accounts could also be used to pay charges for other contracts valued at under $1 million.

The department will process all types of account applications under the scheme starting tomorrow.

Parties can apply for exemptions for contracts that are awarded or tenders that close before December 1. Applications should reach department by December 22.