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Improved waste charging arrangements proposed
A Bill which seeks to facilitate the implementation of charging schemes for waste disposal is gazetted today (Friday).
A Government spokesman said the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill sought to provide for account billing arrangements to enable users of waste disposal facilities to pay in arrears.
"This will address some users' concern as it would help ease their cashflow position."
It also seeks to empower the Director of Environmental Protection to delegate to waste disposal facility operators the charge collection service and the necessary enforcement powers.
"The Bill will not pose additional financial burden on waste producers but will facilitate the implementation of charging schemes and application of the polluter pays principle."
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on July 3.
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Public invited to enrol as 'Friends of Red Ribbon Centre'
A Promotion Day to recruit "Friends of the Red Ribbon Centre" was held by the Department of Health today (Friday) to publicise the services of the new centre and to encourage the public to use its facilities when it is open.
The Red Ribbon Centre is a new project developed by the Department of Health under the sponsorship of the AIDS Trust Fund.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Promotion Day, the Assistant Director of Health, Dr Chan Wai-man, said that "Red Ribbon" is the international symbol for concern about HIV/AIDS and people living with the disease.
"The main objectives of the Centre are to promote community participation in AIDS education and research; and to facilitate the development of social, behavioural and epidemiological research on HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong and the region.