(ACE Paper 03/2000)
For information

BACKGROUND

In December 1998, ACE members were briefed on the objectives of the Waste Reduction Framework Plan (WRFP) which was launched on 5 November 1998 and the formation of the Waste Reduction Committee (WRC) to spearhead its implementation. Subsequently, the WRC was established in February 1999. It has been agreed that the WRC will provide an annual report to ACE on the implementation progress of the WRFP.

THE CHAIRMAN'S OVERVIEW

2.On an average day Hong Kong continues to produce close to 50,000 tonnes of solid wastes. Around 30,000 tonnesof inert construction and demolition waste is being placed in the public filling areas with 8,000 tonnes of these wastes finding their way to the three strategic landfills. In addition, the landfills are currently receiving around 9,000 tonnes per day of municipal solid waste and up to 1,000 tonnes per day of special wastes.

3.In the short life of the Committee, considerable progress has been made to address the pressing needs of wastereduction and to increase community awareness. We have been successful in promoting waste separation at housing estates and have mounted comprehensive publicity and education campaigns. We have published the Waste Reduction Committee newsletter "Waste as Resources" and set up our website (http://www.info.gov.hk/wrc) to provide the public with easy access to information about waste reduction and the implementation progress of the Waste Reduction Framework Plan (WRFP). Other initiatives such as the Wastewi$e Scheme, green purchasing, and land allocation to assist recycling trade have also been initiated. Amendment of the Building Regulations to facilitate waste separation in new buildings will be submitted to the Legislative Council in early 2000.

4.Notwithstanding good progress todate there are many serious problems to overcome. Firstly, we need to convince not only the general public but also our legislators that the Polluter Pays Principle, in this case, landfill charging need to be seriously addressed. Without a charging system there is little incentive to minimise or recycle waste.

5.We urgently need to overcome the problem of construction and demolition wastes. This will require much greater co-operation between Government departments on such matters as waste generation and recycling together with the provision of further public filling areas.

6.Further effort is required to promote recovery and recycling. Government's land allocation policy for these activities needs to be reviewed.

7.Finally we need to recognise that Hong Kong's future technical solutions for disposal are increasingly limitedand emphasis must now be placed on policy and legislative measures designed to reduce waste generation.

PROGRAMME PROGRESS REVIEW

Please refer to Annex I for the programme chart.

Prevention of Waste Programme

8.This programme focuses on reducing the amount of waste generated at source and on increasing the amount of waste material that is recovered, recycled or reused. Specific tasks and progress are summarised below:

	8.1	Provision of adequate waste separation/recovery facilities in buildings The Buildings Department would amend the existing Building Regulations for the provision of sufficient space for waste separation/recovery activities in new building developments. The amendment bill will be introduced to the Legislative Council in early 2000.
	8.2	Source Separation/Bring Systems Since late 1997, the two Municipal Councils have provided collection bins for paper, plastics and aluminum at 20 locations in public areas such as bus terminals, streets and outside markets. Another 118 locations in the then Provisional Regional Council area were provided with recycling bins in October 1999. The then Regional Services Department (RSD) has included recyclable collection services in the waste collection contracts in Tai Po and Shatin Districts since May and November 1998 respectively. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department plan to contract out similar services in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing Districts in May 2000 and March 2001 respectively.
	8.3	Landfill Charging Schemes Ultimately all waste producers should pay directly for the costs of collection, treatment and disposal of the waste they produce, but at first we will introduce the landfill charging schemes. If properly applied, these market instruments would encourage waste producers to reduce the amount of waste and make waste recycling financially more attractive. We target to introduce relevant charging regulation for all waste except household waste in 2000. The charging level and payment options have been developed. Relevant sectors are being consulted on the implementation details.
	8.4	Land Allocation We aim to provide a more viable operating environment for the recycling industry by making available to waste recyclers suitable land, on a short term basis, and at low cost. Since 1998, three sites (one in Sheung Shui and two in the former Kai Tak Airport) have been allocated for waste metal and waste paper operators. The quantity of materials currently recycled in these sites amounts up to about 5,200 tonnes of metals and 1,300 tonnes of paper per month. In December 1999, another site in Tai Po was open to public tender for the waste recycling trade and would be leased out in early 2000. Several other sites have been identified and are being processed. However, successful acquisition of the sites for the recycling trade is a lengthy and difficult process with the majority of sites being rejected either by the District Boards or other relevant bodies. More support from the Lands Department in offering short term tenancy sites will be crucial to assist the local recycling industry. Besides, we will consider other means to secure more long term and relatively cheap land for the recycling industry.
	8.5	Materials Recovery and Recycling We are examining the current system and practice on materials recovery and recycling in Hong Kong with a view to developing more efficient strategies, including the setting up of suitable materials recovery and recycling facilities if necessary. Private sector participation would also be encouraged. In February 1999, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) commenced a 15-month consultancy study to formulate a strategic plan for incorporating materials recovery/recycling facilities (MRRF) into our waste management system. The international review of technologies, practices and policies in recycling, development and operation of material recovery facilities as well as a survey of existing recycling industry in Hong Kong have been completed. We are examining the siting requirements and the possibility of developing a recycling park.
	8.6	Environmentally Responsible Purchasing (Green Purchasing) We have been encouraging both the public and private sector to buy products with higher recycling contents or with less packaging material through the Waste Reduction Task Force for Government as well as the Wastewi$e Scheme (see 8.8 for details). A number of products with recycled contents have been introduced into the Government Supplies Department's stores e.g. recycled photocopying paper, toilet paper, paper towel, etc. Environmental specification and identification of new "green" products require careful consideration on market supply and procurement cost. A consultancy is being commissioned to develop green specifications for a list of environmentally sensitive items procured by the government.
	8.7	Producer Responsibility Scheme EPD is establishing three working groups with relevant sectors to reduce the waste they have generated and to explore the possibility of implementing producer responsibility schemes. In November 1999, a Working Group on Styrofoam Food Containers was set up to develop a testing guideline on degradability and food safety for products replacing plastic foam food or drink containers and plastic bags by early 2000. In the same month, a Working Group on Plastic Bags was formed to discuss ways to reduce the use of plastic bags at supermarkets and convenience stores. Recently, EPD has sought the support of newspaper vendors to stop giving out plastic bags for the purchase of newspapers starting from December 1999. The Working Group on Beverage Containers will be formed in early 2000. One of the initiatives to be pursued would be the introduction of a deposit and refund system for certain types of beverage containers.
	8.8	Wastewi$e Scheme The Wastewi$e Scheme was launched in June 1999 in conjunction with the 1999 Eco-Business Award to promote and commend waste reduction efforts of the participating organisations. By December 1999, more than 25 organisations have applied for the Scheme covering sectors such as construction industry, property management, public utilities, manufacturing industry, restaurants, department store, hotels, aircraft maintenance as well as government departments. We expect to award the first batch of Wastewi$e logos in late 2000.
	8.9	Education and Publicity To increase public awareness of waste reduction and recycling, EPD, in collaboration with the Environmental Campaign Committee, Housing Department, Housing Society and other bodies, has launched a campaign to promote waste separation at source. Recycling bins have been installed in over 250 public and private housing developments by November 1999. From April to November 1999, EPD has attended about 30 Provisional District Board and their sub-committee meetings, building management seminars and carnivals to introduce the WRFP and call for support of Provisional District Board members on waste reduction issues. In addition, a working group with representatives from 9 tertiary educational institutions was set up in September 1999 to provide a forum for the academics to share their experience on waste reduction and recycling. To provide the public with easy access to information about waste reduction and the implementation progress of the WRFP, a website for the WRC (http://www.info.gov.hk/wrc) was launched and the newsletter "Waste as Resources" was published in September 1999. A major publicity campaign to launch the WRFP was held in late 1998. To maintain the momentum, another campaign including publicity announcements on television emphasizing on community participation in waste reduction and recycling was launched in late December 1999.

Institutional Programme

9.This programme involves the establishment of a high level committee and a number of sectoral task forces to develop and promote waste reduction initiatives. These task forces are invaluable channels for direct communication with the sectors involved, who can provide us with immediate feedback on the efficacy of the measures and the assistance they need to participate in waste reduction and recycling.

	9.1	Establishment of Waste Reduction Committee and sectoral task forces The Waste Reduction Committee (WRC) was established in February 1999. Six task forces have been formed for the public housing, private housing, hotel, government and construction sectors as well as the airport community. Please refer to Annex II for Membership lists of WRC and the various task forces.
	9.2	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Public Housing Sector Set up in June 1997, the task force has the following initiatives: All public housing estates (over 180) have sets of recycling bins for waste paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles. The Recycling Credits Scheme Phase I was launched in October 1999 in public estates to further promote residents' zeal in reducing waste through the award of gifts to the households with the highest recovery rate.
	9.3	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Private Housing Sector Set up in May 1999, the task force has pursued household waste reduction in the private sector. By November 1999, more than 60 private housing estates have participated in the Waste Recycling Campaign (Phase III), with 16 housing estates already launched their own recovery programmes, and 68 more expressed interest in launching waste recovery programmes shortly. The Environmental Ambassador Scheme for the Private Housing Sector was launched on 5 December 1999.
	9.4	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Hotel Sector Set up in September 1997, the task force has achieved the following: A study on "Keeping Hong Kong's Hotel Industry Competitive into the 21st Century : Environmental Management System for Hotels" was conducted and to be completed by early 2000. Waste Reduction Workshops for hostels/guesthouses and members of the Hong Kong Hotels Association were held in November and December 1999 respectively. A CD-ROM and information package for ISO 14001 certification for hotels will be produced by early 2000.
	9.5	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Construction Industry Set up in May 1999, the task force aimed to minimise the generation of construction and demolition materials through the joint efforts of Government departments, contractors, professionals, developers and academics. Three working groups were formed on: i) public fill; ii) construction techniques and specifications; and iii) education and training. Action plans on various issues with responsible parties have been drawn up to tackle the problem, with implementation schedule to be formulated. In July 1999, the Working Group on Public Fill put forward their views on construction waste in a report submitted to the Panel on Environmental Affairs of the Legislative Council.
	9.6	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Government Set up in June 1999, officials joined forces to develop and promote waste reduction initiatives within the Government. A contract awarded in August 1999 for the purchase of recycled photocopying paper for consumption by Government departments. A list of environmentally friendly products in the store of Government Supplies Department (GSD) was circulated to all Heads of Departments to encourage wider usage. The "Guideline for drawing up tender specifications" as part of the Stores and Procurement Regulations is being reviewed by GSD and Finance Bureau with a view to taking into account environmental considerations. A working group formed to identify environmentally sensitive items for which green specifications will be drawn up in a consultancy study.
	9.7	Waste Reduction Task Force for the Airport Community Set up in June 1999, the Airport Authority (AA) has launched the following programmes: Paper recycling programme at the AA's offices in the Maintenance Headquarters, Passenger Terminal Building and Ground Transport Centre since July 1999. Collection of scrap heavy vehicle tyres for retreading starting from November 1999. Materials recovery programmes for paper, toner cartridges and aluminium cans for Government offices at the airport since November 1999.

Waste Bulk Reduction Programme

10.Even with effective waste prevention and recycling measures, considerable amounts of residual waste will remain and require treatment and disposal.

	10.1	Waste-to-Energy Incineration Modern waste-to-energy incinerators burn combustible municipal solid waste to recover energy and reduce the volume of waste requiring final disposal by up to 85%. Reliable and proven technologies are available to meet the most stringent air emission standards. We plan to develop waste-to-energy incineration facilities (WEIFs) capable of handling a total of 6,000 tonnes of waste per day. A feasibility study is being conducted and will be completed by early 2000. Public consultation will follow. Subject to availability of funding, it is expected that the first WEIF will be commissioned in 2007.
	10.2	Composting The volume of organic waste material can be reduced through composting, which is a form of biological decomposition. Compost is currently produced from livestock waste at Sha Ling Livestock Waste Composting Plant in the New Territories. More than 7,000 tonnes of livestock waste was composted in 1999. In the past year, we have reviewed overseas and local composting technology and explored viable markets for the compost. Before considering whether to build additional facilities to produce municipal solid waste-derived compost, we need to obtain more information on the quality of the compost, the potential markets, and also the competitiveness of this process compared to other waste bulk reduction processes.

ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE

11.The following presented the results of some initiatives under the WRFP in the form oftables and charts for easy reference.

Table 1 - Recovery results of Waste Recycling Campaign at housing estates organised by Environmental Campaign Committee, Housing Department and Housing Society

Table 3 - Major publicity activities on waste reduction participated by EPD in 1999

Date	Event	Topics of presentation/ Publicity activities during the event
18.1.99	The Third Green Manager Plenum (for the Government)	Waste Reduction Framework Plan - How You Can Contribute?
5-6.2.99	Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition	Exhibition on Waste Reduction Framework Plan, Wastewi$e Scheme and Hotline Service
4.3.99	China Light & Power - System Management Seminar	Waste Reduction in Private Sector
31.3.99	1999 PVC International Conference	Hong Kong's Approach Towards Waste Reduction & Plastic Waste Recycling
17.4.99	Plastic Waste Recycling Variety Show	A variety show organised by the Conservancy Association and the Radio Television Hong Kong, with the support of EPD to promote plastic waste recycling and plastic coding to the public.
24.4.99	New Territories Building Management Seminar	Distribution of publicity materials on waste reduction to attendants.
16.5.99	Eastern District's Environmental Protection Carnival cum Materials Reuse Competition Prize Presentation Ceremony	A game booth was set up to publicise waste separation and plastic coding.
3.6.99	The 8th Annual Business & Industry Environment Conference & Exhibition	Waste Reduction - A Partnership Approach
10.7.99	Private Building Cleansing Campaign - Yau Tsim Mong District Building Cleansing cum Prize Presentation Ceremony	Waste Reduction in Hong Kong
28.7.99,5 & 13.8.99	Marriott Summer Camp	Hong Kong's Approach Towards Waste Reduction
21.8.99	Kowloon City District Office - Certificate Course in Building Management cum Private Building Cleansing Campaign Presentation Ceremony	Waste Reduction in Hong Kong
14.9.99	Seminars on Environmental Issues for Housing Department	Management of Construction Waste
21.9.99	Waste Management 99 Conference	An Introduction To Recycling in Hong Kong - A Government Prospective
13-15.10.9	International Conference on Urban Pollution Control Technology 99	The Waste Management Strategy For The Next Decade - Waste Reduction
12.11.99	The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Department of Civil & Structural Engineering Seminar	Waste Reduction - a sustainable waste management strategy for Hong Kong
18.11.99	Waste Reduction Workshop for Hostels and Guesthouses	Waste Reduction Framework Plan and Wastewi$e Scheme
26.11.99	Sixth Construction Industry Training Authority - Management Training & Trade Testing Centre	Construction Waste Reduction
1.12.99	Hong Kong & China Gas - Green Partnership Programme	Solid Waste Management in Private Sector
3.12.99	Mainland China - Hong Kong University Students Interflow Camp organised by the Conservancy Association	Solid Waste Pollution in Hong Kong
9.12.99	Waste Reduction Workshop for Hotels	Waste Reduction Framework Plan and Wastewi$e Scheme
11.12.99	Building Management Seminar 1999 of Eastern District	Waste Reduction in Property Management
12.12.99	Private Housing Environmental Ambassador Scheme - 1st Workshop	Waste Reduction Framework Plan
18.12.99	Launching Ceremony for the "Waste Recycling Scheme in Universities"	Waste Reduction Framework Plan

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS' PARTICIPATION

12.The non-government organisations also played an important role in 1999 in organising education and publicity activities on waste reduction. The following summarises some of their initiatives in 1999 :

13.With the support of Plastic Waste Recycling Funding Scheme provided by the then Provisional Regional Council, numerous plastic recycling programmes were organised by green groups, youth and community associations for students and residents. These included Green Power's plastic recycling scheme for primary schools at Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Shatin, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi; plastic recycling programme, slogan design competition and visit to plastic recycling factory organised by Hong Kong Women Christian Council; plastic bottle recycling programme in schools and related education camp organised by Cotton Spinners Association Prevocational School. As at early October, about 750 kg of plastic waste and 1200 kg of waste paper were collected through the funded programmes for export overseas or locally recycled.

14.The Friends of the Earth (FoE) has given more than 70 workshops/talks to schools and companies on waste reduction. During the workshops, the speakers interacted with the audience to inspire them to think of their roles in helping waste reduction. FoE has also been to 13 different housing estates to conduct environmental programmes to educate the public to reduce waste and save energy.

15.Lately, FoE was sponsored by the then Provisional Regional Council Plastic Waste Recycling Funding Scheme to conduct a pilot project on styrofoam recycling. FoE has also written to all oil companies in Hong Kong asking them to stop giving away free items such as plastic bottled water, boxes of tissue paper starting from 2000 as a way to reduce waste at source.

16.In the first half of 1999, the Conservancy Association (CA) organised plastic recycling programmes for more than 160 kindergartens, primary & secondary schools, social service centers, and housing estates. The CA also heightened the public's awareness on plastic waste recycling through a week long radio programme and a music concert. The CA succeeded to convince major retailers and manufacturers to voluntarily incorporate plastic coding in their products. For housing estates, the CA had facilitated plastic waste collection by providing collection services and organised publicity programmes such as the Paper Recycling Fun Fair.

17.In the second half of 1999, much emphasis was put on educating the younger generation. Nearly 100 workshops on waste reduction were held for kindergartens where waste recovery competitions were also held. About 20 training workshops were arranged for teachers, housing management staff, and domestic helpers. Some 80 youngsters had participated in a CA training programme. After which, they organized exhibitions, surveys, door-to-door publicity activities in their housing estates to spread the waste reduction message.

ACTION PLAN FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

18.To continue our efforts in 1999, we have also some new initiatives to help the local recycling industry and further promote waste reduction and recycling in the community. An outline of our proposed actions on reduction and recycling is presented in Annex III.

Advice Sought

19.Members are invited to note the contents of this paper. We appreciate any comments from Members.

Waste Reduction Committee
January 2000

Annex I

Programme Chart of Waste Reduction Framework Plan

Annex II

Membership Lists of Waste Reduction Committee and Waste Reduction Task Forces

Waste Reduction Committee

Chairman Mr Barrie Cook Members Ms Cheung Lai-ping, Lister Mr Lau Che-feng, Edwin Mr Leonard Law Professor Poon Chi-sun Mr Roger L. Walker Professor Yue Po-lock

Task Force Chairmen (automatic membership of the WRC) Mr Kwok Shek-kwun Chairman of the Waste Reduction Task Force for Public Housing Sector Mr Chan Chi-kau, Johnnie Casire Chairman of the Waste Reduction Task Force for Private Housing Sector Mr Jean-Marie LeClercq Chairman of the Waste Reduction Task Force for Hotel Sector Mr Derek ZEN Wei Peu Chairman of the Waste Reduction Task Force for Construction Industry Mr Nigel Shipman, JP Chairman of the Waste Reduction Task Force for the Government Mr Richard Morse Chairman of the Task Force for the Airport Community Ex-officio Members Deputy Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands (Deputy Secretary (B), Environment and Food Bureau from 1.1.2000) Director of Environmental Protection

Task Force - Public Housing Sector

Task Force - Private Housing Sector

Chairman Mr Kwok Shek-kwun - Assistant Director (Management)(1) of Housing Department Secretary Mr Sammy Fung - Executive Officer/Management(G) Members Representatives from Housing Department Mr Lai Yew-cho - Senior Housing Manager/Support Services Mrs Judy Wan - Senior Housing Manager/TWS Mr Chau Fu-keung - Senior Housing Manager/FLG Mrs Tam Leung Kit-yu - Housing Manager/Management(1) Representatives from Housing Society Mrs Catherine Wong - Area Manager Mrs Annie Wong - Housing Manager (A&T) Representatives from Environmental Protection Department Dr Ellen Chan - Principal Environmental Protection Officer Ir Lam Cheuk-fung - Senior Environmental Protection Officer Dr Derek Wong - Environmental Protection Officer Representatives from Regional Services Department Mr So Wai-yin - Staff Officer (Cleansing Services) Representatives from Urban Services Department Mr Cheung Sing-man - Assistant Staff Officer (Cleansing)

Chairman Mr Johnnie Chan - President of Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies Secretary Dr Derek Wong - Environmental Protection Officer, Facilities Planning Group, Environmental Protection Department Members Mr Andrew Wong - Citybase Property Management Ltd. Mr Peter Ho - Guardian Property Management Ltd. Mr Suen Kwok Lam - Hang Yick Properties Management Ltd. Mr Jimmy Wong - Kai Shing Management Services Ltd. Mr Mok Yiu Kwong - Sino Estates Management Ltd. Mr Jimmy Mak - Goodwell Property Management Ltd. Mrs Annie Wong - Hong Kong Housing Society Mr Mingo Kwan - MTR Property Management

Task Force - Hotel Sector

Task Force - Construction Industry

Chairman Mr Jean-Marie LeClercq - Hotel Nikko Hong Kong Members Environmental Committee members of the Hong Kong Hotels Association Mr James Lu - Hong Kong Hotels Association Mr Joseph Yung - Regal Riverside Hotel Mr K H Kwok - Regent Hotel Hong Kong Mr Jurgen Wolter - Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Hotel Mr Liam Lambert - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Mr John Girard - The Marco Polo Hotels On an invited basis Professor John Burnett - Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr Edwin Lau - Friends of the Earth Environmental Protection Department's representative

Chairman Mr Derek Zen Wei Peu - Representative of Hong Kong Construction Association Members Mr Martin T F Tam - Representative of Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong Mr Cheung Kwong Wing - Representative of Hong Kong Institute of Architects Ir Maurice Lee - Representative of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Mr Nigel Mattravers - Representative of Hong Kong Association of Consulting Engineers Professor C S Poon - Professor, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr Steve Barclay - Principal Assistant Secretary (B)2, Environment and Food Bureau Mr Mike J Byrne - Principal Assistant Secretary (Works Policy and Safety), Works Bureau Mr Simon C K Tam - Technical Secretary/Headquarters, Territory Development Department Mr W K Fung - Assistant Director, Structural Engineering Branch, Architectural Services Department Mr Chan Chi-yan - Chief Engineer, Port Works Division, Civil Engineering Department Mr Chris Calton - Representative of KCRC Mr Jim Walker - Representative of MTRC Dr Ellen Chan - Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Facilities Planning Group, Environmental Protection Department Mr Chris Gabriel - Chief Architect/Design and Standards, Housing Department

Task Force -Government

Task Force - Airport Community

Chairman Mr Nigel Shipman - Director of Government Supplies Department Secretary Ms Margaret Tong - Supplies Officer (Special Duties), Government Supplies Department Members Mr Daniel Sin - Assistant Secretary (B)2A, Environment and Food Bureau Ms Vega Wong - Principal Assistant Secretary (Treasury), Finance Bureau Mr S C Lo - Chief Property Manager, Government Property Agency Ms Tina Leung - Chief Supplies Officer (Special Duties), Government Supplies Department Mr C T Cheng - Chief Supplies Officer (Provisioning & Inspection), Government Supplies Department Mr C H Cheng - Department Secretary, Government Supplies Department Dr Ellen Chan - Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Facilities Planning Group, Environmental Protection Department Mr P H Yuen - Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Facilities Planning Group, Environmental Protection Department

Chairman Mr Richard Morse - Environmental Manager of the Airport Authority Members Representatives from the Airport Authority Environmental Group Representatives from theEnvironmental Protection Department

Annex III

Action Plan on Waste Reduction and Recycling

Initiatives	Objectives	Proposed Actions
Landfill Charging	To require polluters or users to pay directly for the full costs of waste management and thus provide a financial incentive for waste producers to reduce waste. To set up a funding mechanism to develop new markets and technologies or sponsor recycling credits scheme.	To introduce charges for the disposal of waste (initially for non-domestic waste) at landfills in 2000. With the implementation of waste disposal charge, consideration could be made to set aside a portion of the revenue collected to assist the recycling trade.
Land Allocation	To facilitate the development of recycling industry by securing more long term and relatively cheap land for the industry.	Recycling Parks at Restored Landfills To let out restoration of the landfill and development/management of the recycling park as one contract. Sites at Ngau Tam Mei and Tuen Mun 38 To develop a recycling park or materials recovery/recycling facilities at these sites. Sites at Industrial Estates To explore the feasibility of setting aside an area either at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate or Tuen Mun 38 for a recycling estate. Temporary Government Land Allocation To bid for long term sites for developing into recycling estates or materials recovery/recycling facilities. Private Development Sites To gauge private developers' interest in setting aside suitable land to develop recycling trade possibly through offering special terms to the m.
Setting up of Waste Reduction Task Force for the Recycling Trade	To provide a forum for discussion between the Government and the recycling trade on sector-specific issues related to waste reduction.	To set up the Task Force in early 2000. The Industry Department will be requested to review its role in helping to upgrade the local recycling industry.
Producer Responsibility Scheme - reduction of packaging waste	To set up a working group on beverage containers subsequent to the formation of the other two on styrofoam food containers and plastic bags. To pave the way for new legislation on waste reduction and recycling if necessary.	To form a Working Group on Beverage Containers in early 2000. One of the initiatives to be pursued would be the introduction of a deposit and refund system for certain types of beverage containers. To issue Code of Practice on Packaging Waste or recycling in general to provide a more effective means in urging the waste producers to reduce waste.
Education and Publicity	To organise comprehensive and sustained publicity and education campaign to promote public awarenessin waste reduction and recycling.	To organise a "District Council Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme" in early 2000. Each District Council's representatives will attend workshops on environmental protection/waste reduction and help to promote public environmental awareness within their districts. To conduct training workshops for staff and students under "Waste Recycling Scheme in Universities" in Jan 2000. To set up recycling bins for paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles in each university.
Demonstration Scheme (DEMOS)	DEMOS is an initiative in the WRFP to promote waste minimisation and recycling technologies and to encourage the adoption of these technologies by different sectors in Hong Kong through financial assistance.	To submit a proposal to the Environment & Conservation Fund Main Committee in Feb 2000 with a view to setting up a separate category of funding for DEMOS projects.