Face Off: Should Hong Kong have suspended its waste-charging scheme?

The government recently announced the suspension of the proposed waste-charging scheme. The scheme has many issues that need to be solved. The authorities should seriously consider the problems of implementing it.

A significant portion of the general public opposes the proposed waste-charging scheme. The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) conducted a random survey of 1,560 people, revealing that 65 per cent of the sample did not support the scheme. Another 33 per cent expressed a desire for further postponement, while 45 per cent felt the scheme was unnecessary in the first place. This widespread public sentiment against the scheme should not be overlooked.

The proposed waste-charging scheme would disproportionately burden low-income families, who are already struggling with financial constraints. This could potentially lead to inappropriate disposal of waste, such as flushing food waste down the toilet, as a desperate measure to save money.

A survey conducted by the NGO Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) in February revealed that over 43 per cent of the nearly 300 low-income families surveyed agreed that the scheme should be deferred. This is a clear indication of the financial strain this scheme would impose on these families, and it’s crucial for the authorities to consider their plight.

The waste-charging scheme, if not carefully monitored, could lead to more illegal dumping and other activities that could harm the environment – for instance, flushing rubbish down the toilet, disposing of waste on the staircase and more.

In the early 2000s, a study conducted in South Korea – a country already implementing a waste-charging scheme – found that an additional increase in the rubbish bag pricing did little to reduce the country’s waste. The study reported a one per cent increase in the bag price, which resulted in a three per cent increase in the number of reports of illegal dumping. There were likely to be many more instances of unlawful dumping that were not reported. This highlights the potential environmental damage that could occur if the scheme is not implemented with caution, so it is good that Hong Kong has suspended its waste-charging scheme.

For a long time, Hong Kong has strived to implement methods to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. From launching the Green Hong Kong Carbon Audit campaign in 2008 to banning single-use plastics this year, authorities have undoubtedly worked to upgrade the city’s environmental health.

This year, Hong Kong sought to implement its long-delayed waste-charging scheme. First introduced in 2004, this strategy was proposed to incentivise residents to reduce waste and promote sustainability in terms of waste management. Following numerous delays, the government was determined to push it ahead as an integral step to address waste generation.

However, the city recently announced another suspension of the scheme, initially set for a citywide roll-out on August 1.

The waste-charging scheme, if implemented, has the potential to inspire firms and citizens to reduce their waste generation and elevate recycling. Delaying this scheme could lead to a surge in waste, making it more challenging to limit our waste. It’s crucial to keep this in mind and push forward with the scheme.

In the past, similar schemes have been implemented in other countries, and they have proven reasonably successful.

Dissecting Hong Kong’s decision to suspend the waste-charging scheme

According to a report by the Council for Sustainable Development, Taipei City experienced a downfall of 65 per cent in disposal rates of household garbage in 2011 following the implementation of the quantity-based waste fee system.

South Korea also created a system where citizens paid for non-recyclable waste based on the size of garbage bags, bringing a significant decrease in waste disposal rates per capita. With these immense reductions in waste generation, we expect Hong Kong to achieve similar figures with the scheme.

In the past, the Hong Kong government has striven to find efficient methods to reduce emissions; however, those initiatives weren’t always as effective. In contrast to minor visible changes from those initiatives, the waste-charging scheme would aim for a 55 per cent increase in recycling and a 45 per cent reduction in waste disposal per capita.

Time is our most precious resource at this stage, and we have already spent two decades suspending this scheme. We must implement this programme to enhance the condition of our city.