Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says the Government has reached a consensus with waste contractors and haulers on the ratio of waste transported and agreed to give discretion within the confines of the law.

After meeting with sector representatives today, Dr Liao said the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme launched last Friday has been running smooth.

She said more than 2,000 vehicles have deposited waste at landfills, while over 10,000 vehicles have conveyed waste to the recycling plant and the fill bank.

On the problem of distinguishing between materials that are recyclable and those that go straight to the landfill, Dr Liao said it was agreed the law will strictly be followed while discretion will be exercised so as not to cause the sector excessive inconvenience.

She said the ratio is specified under the law, to broaden the ratio as proposed by the trade would involve legislative amendment and the Government would need time to consider it.

Dr Liao pledged to review the charging scheme in six months.