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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
21
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): Thank you Mr. Chairman. In paragraph 3 of the answer it says that a substantial amount of recyclable materials has already been removed from the waste. 8% of domestic waste and 53% of industrial waste can be recycled. So does that indicate that some commercial means to recycle waste are available outside and we do not have to wait for a plan from the Central Government to go ahead. Actually the Council can take the initiative to contact some commercial organisations to see if they are interested in collecting some of the waste.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, this is an opinion. In the Select Committee we can consider the view expressed by Mr. Wu.
Mr. Lee Kwok-keung (in Cantonese): In paragraph 2 of the reply, it says that the Government has not established any recycling infrastructure. In this connection, has the Council reflected its view to the Central Government? As a major waste collection authority, can we suggest the question of recycling to the Central Government?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, we have suggested this on several occasions to the Central Government. I recall that many members have made such suggestion in our Annual Debate. So it is up to the Central Government to accept or not.
Mr. Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chan said that the configuration of the RCVs cannot cope with waste separation. I understand the Government is now conducting a study on separation of waste and may implement it. My concern is that if the policy is implemented by the Central Government, can the Council have a contingency plan to have newly configurated RCVs to cope? What is the lead time required to purchase such newly configurated RCVs?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, the Council has had close contact with EPD. If there is a new policy or plan to be implemented then definitely the Council will be able to tie-in with EPD's plans.
Mr. Chan Kwok-leung (in Cantonese): On clinical waste. It is learnt that in Legco today the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch has advised the Government to levy charges on clinical waste collected from hospitals under the Hospital Authority. That is also in line with 'the polluters pay' principle. Mr. Chan has just said that the EPD has maintained close contact with the Council. Has the EPD consulted our views on this beforehand? In future if this is implemented, will charges be made through the Council?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, polluters pay principle has nothing to do with the Council. It is not within our preview,
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