Our Contribution to the Environment

Planning for a Better Environment

Prevention and Mitigation through Environmental Impact Assessment
Better Air Qualiy
Quieter Environment
Environmentally Sound Waste Management
Better Water Quality

We will formulate and implement programmes to improve and safeguard the environment "

Chart of Recovery of waste saves landfill space
Image of Waste recycling in housing estate
Chart of Waste Reduction Target for Maricipal Solid Waste

Environmentally Sound Waste Management

Environmentally sustainable waste management continues to be our major challenge. The aim is to improve and safeguard the environment from adverse environmental effects associated with improper handling and disposal of waste by establishing a framework of legislative and institutional controls while providing convenient, cost-effective waste management facilities.

The EPD runs a comprehensive system managing all types of waste including municipal, livestock, construction, chemical and clinical, sewage and water treatment sludge, as well as other more difficult wastes, and dredged spoil.

In an effort to reverse the rising trend in waste generation, we published a Waste Reduction Framework Plan, which sets out our strategy to divert 60% of the municipal solid waste away from landfills over the next decade. To achieve this goal, we must change community's attitudes towards waste prevention and waste reuse. The Waste Reduction Committee has been formed to help coordinate and focus on waste reduction measures, and advise on priorities.

During 1999, we began the development of a Waste Management Plan to replace the existing Waste Disposal Plan, setting out our vision for a sustainable waste management system for the HKSAR over the next 20 years.

A strategy to reduce the volume of sludge disposed of at landfills was developed and the search for a suitable site for a Sludge Treatment Facility was initiated. Guidelines have been published on the investigation of contaminated land and to ensure proper remedial work and disposal of contaminated soil. A risk-based framework is being developed for the assessment of contaminated land. A plan to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) in 1999 to support a clinical waste control scheme was delayed due to public concern over the use of the existing Chemical Waste Treatment Centre's incinerator to treat clinical waste. A review of alternative treatment technologies was commissioned and will be completed in 2000.