'More information now key' amid waste scheme delay
The government's decision to postpone the solid waste charging scheme has generally been welcomed, with members of the public and other stakeholders saying this will give them more time to understand the policy. The scheme, which was set to begin in April, has been delayed until August. "It's better to push it back, because there are many things I don't know. I think the government can provide clear guidelines, for example on how to handle kitchen waste," a woman told RTHK. The chairman of the Property Services Alliance, Mickey Yan, said owners' corporations need more clarity on how to deal with residents' rubbish. Martin Chan from the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades said the catering sector hopes to seek government subsidy during this period to buy designated bags. Meanwhile, executive director of The Green Earth, Edwin Lau, said he is "a bit disappointed" with the postponement of the scheme, which was supposed to take effect on April 1 after being pushed back from late 2023. "Of course it is not desirable to have a second delay for any government policy or legislation, but under the circumstances... I understand why the government needs to postpone the scheme again," he said. He called on the authorities to step up promotional efforts and to better communicate with stakeholders like property managers. Leanne Tam, a campaigner with Greenpeace, echoed Lau's views. "I do think the government has to review the information gap between the government and citizens. Why did the citizens say they know nothing [when] you have talked about [municipal solid waste] charging for so many years, and you have prepared for at least two years?" she said.