Executive Summary
Why Now
Hong Kong has an imminent waste problem. At present, we rely solely
on our landfills to dispose of our waste. Although we are recovering
40% of our waste for recycling, our landfills will be full in 6
to 10 years if we do not substantially reduce the generation of
waste and cut down the amount of waste we send to the landfills.
The Government Acts
We must address the waste problem in a holistic manner. This Policy
Framework sets out a comprehensive strategy consisting of a series
of tried and proven policy tools and measures to tackle our waste
problem head on and achieve the following targets:
| Target 1: |
To reduce the amount of municipal
solid waste (MSW) generated in Hong Kong by 1% per annum up
to the year 2014.
|
| Target 2: |
To increase the overall recovery rate
of MSW to 45% by 2009 and 50% by 2014.
|
| Target 3: |
To reduce the total MSW disposed of in
landfills to less than 25% by 2014.
|
Tackling the Problem at Source
Waste avoidance and minimization are our top priorities. We introduced
a territory-wide waste recovery programme in January 2005 to facilitate
waste separation at the household level. We aim to expand the scheme
to cover 80% of the population by
2010, and significantly increase the
recovery of our domestic waste. To make proper use of the recyclables
recovered, we must have a robust recycling industry locally. In
addition to the existing policy of providing land on short-term
tenancies, we are setting up the EcoPark for the recycling industry.
The EcoPark will come into operation in late 2006.
Additionally, we will continue to encourage the development of recycling
technology through the Environment and Conservation Fund and the
Innovation and Technology Fund. In doing so, we will not only reduce
pressure on our waste facilities, but also conserve resources and
jump-start a circular economy.
Throw less, Pay less
The core of our comprehensive strategy is the "polluter-pays"
principle. We propose to introduce producer responsibility schemes
(PRSs) that hold the manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers
responsible for what they produce and consume. We aim to introduce
to the Legislative Council the Product Eco-responsibility Bill in
2006 to provide a legal framework
for PRSs. With PRSs in place, we can consider introducing landfill
disposal bans so as to make better use of our landfills as the final
repository of unavoidable and properly treated wastes. We also propose
introducing legislation on waste charging by 2007
as a direct economic incentive to avoid and reduce waste.
State-of-the-art Treatment
While our proposed policy measures would have substantial impact
on waste reduction and recycling, we must face up to the reality
that there will still be unavoidable waste that we must handle.
We propose to develop state-of-the-art Integrated Waste Management
Facilities with incineration as the core technology for final waste
treatment. In developing the Facilities, we will adopt the most
stringent emission standards to minimize their impact on the environment.
Community Participation
Our comprehensive strategy can only work in partnership with the
public. We urge the community at large to fully support this Policy
Framework. |