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bins had been flooded with a sudden influx of large quantities of recyclables before the cleansing staff were scheduled to empty them. This is the explanation given by the USD and I doubt it very much. Management in general points out that usually only a few per cent of complaints will eventually reach the higher management hierarchy. I would like to ask Mr. CHAN Yuek-sut two questions. The first question: relying on the USD's statistics given just now, can the Department be committed to taking serious follow-up actions on the correct time of emptying the bins?
Second, the Council (started since 1998) has implemented the collection and categorization pilot scheme in 11 places. Actually about 200 housing estates all over Hong Kong will join the waste paper recycling scheme in the coming year. Therefore, it is most appropriate for the Council to carry out even more collection and categorization work at more PUC facilities and venues in the coming year. The recycling business, while enjoying support from a large number of organizations and places (where recycling exercises already carried out), should also be boosted in all aspects with the encouragement by government policies (including land supply policy) and involvement by the community. I therefore ask the Chairman of the Select Committee whether a further study will be conducted by the relevant select committees or working groups under the Council to increase the number of places for placing recycling bins.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, when more accurate figures of complaints about waste collection by the USD are available, they would be submitted to the Select Committee. If the Select Committee considers the complaints to be substantiated and supported by authentic figures, it may take necessary actions. Up to now, the PH S/C has never received any statistics on this kind of complaints. If such statistics are available, we will certainly follow up on the complaints.
To tie in with the overall environmental protection programme (Waste Reduction Plan), more recycling bins should be provided. If the Council's assistance is required, we shall be pleased to render our full support. The Working Group can also hold discussions and plan on how to implement the project in coordination with other parties. Up to the present, the EPD is still responsible for taking the lead in steering the project.
Regarding the waste collection and categorization work, we still have to rely on the EPD to fully activate and plan the project. The Department will actively match with their work. As far as I know, the EPD has yet to finalize the timeframe for the implementation of the comprehensive plan for categorization of waste and collection of recyclables. We hope the EPD will have a finalized plan as soon as possible. Not only recycling bins, but our facilities, e.g. refuse collection points and the design of refuse collection vehicles mentioned earlier, are also required to fit in with the entire project.
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