Mathias Woo

Opinion | Hong Kong’s crackdown on rats must also deal with food waste

One way District Councils can answer the government’s call to involve the community in eliminating rodent infestations is to help reform food waste management

Getting the local food industry to embrace new technology that makes it easier to reduce or recycle food waste is an essential step in that process

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A worker dumps food waste into a machine at Kowloon Hospital. Increasing the recycling of food waste and improving its disposal are seen as essential steps in dealing with problems of rodent infestation around Hong Kong. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Mathias Woo

Published: 9:30am, 6 Dec 2023

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki has suggested that new District Council members prioritise work in five areas of community interest, including “fostering clean markets and mobilising the community to participate in anti-rodent work”.

A sound action plan for handling food waste and recycling is crucial to eradicating rodent infestations. How can we establish a comprehensive food waste management system?

The waste charging scheme, which begins in April, and management of food waste are closely related. Instead of creating revenue for the government, the real aim of municipal solid waste charging is to promote waste sorting.

Among the positive effects of the scheme will be the elimination of food sources for rodents, thus reducing their population. Rodents are intelligent animals which thrive in urban areas, with food waste being a primary source of nutrition. Therefore, rodent infestations can’t be truly eliminated without addressing the problem of food waste.

What measures should the government consider implementing? Although reducing food waste will not be the only problem to be addressed when the new District Council term begins, the government should prioritise formulating comprehensive waste management policies.

Waste sorting is part of environmental hygiene. Whether the implementation of waste charging leads to an increase in rubbish on pavements is a matter of concern.