Govt to report to Legco on waste trial in May and June
Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan on Monday pledged the government would take a practical approach to the city-wide trial of the solid waste charging scheme and report to the Legislative Council in May and June on its progress. From next month, authorities will test the scheme at 14 locations, including public and private residential blocks, shopping malls and restaurants. "We need the public support and participation in the scheme for it to be implemented smoothly. So the government accords priority and attaches importance to the views of the members of the public to minimise the impact caused to the public and to reduce complaints and confusion towards the scheme," Tse told a Legco panel meeting.  Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok questioned the lack of recycling facilities and whether the city would be ready when the scheme begins in August.  “We have to see whether it is really suitable for us to implement the municipal waste charging scheme. I have a big question mark on that. I think the key is that we need to have a very comprehensive waste collection network. Can we do so by August 1? If not, I think a lot of citizens will find it very inconvenient for them to dispose of their waste," he said.  Echoing his views, DAB lawmaker Holden Chow said there was a need to expand the food waste recycling network. In response, Tse said there are already recycling bins in over 2,700 public housing estates and authorities would increase the number of food waste recycling spots.  Election committee lawmaker Doreen Kong, meanwhile, questioned whether the demonstration scheme is representative enough, saying the main offices of the Environment and Ecology Bureau are not included.  Tse responded by saying that authorities decided to conduct a small-scale trial to gain an in-depth understanding of the difficulties faced by participants.