ENG-2011 — Page 342

298 The Environment

Waste Management

Waste Reduction

The Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (2005- 2014), published in 2005, sets out the strategy and measures to address the municipal solid waste problem in Hong Kong and proposes effective economic tools. that will create incentives for the community to recycle more and discard less. In 2011, the Government reaffirmed a 3-pronged comprehensive strategy for the management of municipal solid waste, which focuses on 'Reduce, Recycle and Proper Management of Waste'. Under this strategy, the Government will encourage waste reduction and recycling through various measures, develop modern waste treatment facilities and implement landfill extension schemes. The Government is also committed to raising the target rate of municipal solid waste recovery to 55 per cent by 2015.

Waste reduction and recovery have always played an important role in waste management. Substantial quantities of recyclable materials are recovered and exported for recycling outside Hong Kong. Plastics, paper and metals are the major recyclables exported for recycling, contributing to over 90 per cent of the total quantity of recovered waste.

The Government is also promoting local recycling, with the development of a 20-hectare EcoPark in Tuen Mun Area 38 for exclusive use by the recycling and environmental industry. All lots in Phase 1 and the first batch of lots in Phase 2 of the EcoPark have been let to waste recyclers.

To encourage waste reduction, recovery and recycling, the Government launched a territory-wide Source Separation of Domestic Waste Programme in January 2005. The programme was extended to the commercial and industrial sector in October 2007. As at the end of 2011, the programme covered more than 80 per cent of the population.

In line with the polluter-pays principle, the Government aims to create economic incentives to encourage recovery, recycling and waste reduction. It has committed expediting actions for the introduction of mandatory producer responsibility schemes (PRSs). Amongst other things, the Government has completed the public consultation on the extension of the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags to cover all retailers, and has started to develop the operational details. On the basis of the outcome of the public consultation completed in 2010, the Government has also taken further actions on the mandatory PRS on waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Meanwhile, the EPD continues to promote and support trade-funded voluntary recycling programmes. In addition, it is examining possible charging options for Hong Kong in respect of municipal solid waste.

Landfills

All municipal solid waste is disposed of at three large strategic landfills in the New Territories, which are operated to high environmental standards.