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Landfill charging scheme fair and reasonable
In response to press enquiries, a spokesman for the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch said today (Monday): "The charging scheme for waste disposal at landfills by private waste collectors has been worked out after wide consultation with the trade and relevant bodies. It is fair and reasonable."
The spokesman welcomed the support expressed by the Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories Grab-Mounted Lorries Association of the principle of polluter/user pays in working out the charging scheme.
He said: "Under this principle, waste producers in the commercial/industrial sectors are expected to bear the charges ultimately as private waste collectors and lorry owners pass charges on to their customers.
"In working out the implementation date of the charging scheme, we have already taken into account the concern expressed by some lorry drivers/owners, who are at present billing their clients every three months, about the amount of cash that could be tied up initially.
"The proposed September implementation date should give sufficient lead time for operators in the trade to work out shorter billing periods with their clients or other financial arrangements as necessary."
The spokesman said: "To further address their concern, we are willing to assist them in reflecting their views on the billing arrangements to the Hong Kong Construction Association whose members are the main users of the waste collection services provided by the grab-mounted lorry trade.
"In fact, we have maintained a continuing dialogue with the Hong Kong Construction Association and other major associations in the real estate development, commercial and industrial sectors. They also accept the principle of polluter/user pays."
The spokesman hoped the Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories Grab- Mounted Lorries Association will not take drastic action which may adversely affect the waste disposal operation of the territory.
"We are willing to discuss with the Association to identify ways whereby the effect of the charging scheme on their trade can be minimised," he said.
End/Monday, May 15, 1995