The government reportedly will not implement garbage collection fees as scheduled in August and will not set a specific implementation date. The Green Earth Conservation Secretary General, Liu Zhifeng, criticized the government for its lack of enthusiasm in waste reduction measures, describing the handling of garbage fees as “almost like child’s play.” Tam Wing Lam, Director of Greenpeace Project, stated on another local television program that she disagrees with this being a practical approach.
Liu Zhifeng expressed great disappointment over the matter, believing that the preparation for garbage collection fees is insufficient. He questioned whether the government was being careless or proactive in its approach. He noted that the government’s efforts in waste reduction measures and educational campaigns were inadequate, posing the question, “Who can you blame?” Furthermore, he emphasized that if the government does not set a concrete timetable for implementing garbage collection fees, it would be an irresponsible decision and would not inspire public confidence.
He pointed out that if the government announces the roadmap for garbage collection fees during a joint meeting this afternoon, without discussing a timetable for their implementation, it would signal a lack of determination to enforce legislation that would reduce waste dumping in Hong Kong. He criticized the government for making decisions arbitrarily, deciding on implementation based on mood swings rather than a consistent strategy.
He stated that in the next few years, the three landfills in Hong Kong will reach full capacity, necessitating the collective efforts of the entire population to reduce waste at its source. With legislation being drafted for nearly two decades, he questioned how it could be treated as if it were a mere amusement.
Tam Wing Lam of Greenpeace Project believed that in the past six months, Hong Kong’s kitchen waste recycling rate had more than doubled. Both businesses and citizens had taken corresponding actions, unlocking various potentials over the past months, marking a positive start. On the contrary, delaying the garbage collection fees would be irresponsible, offering no solution to Hong Kong’s waste problems. She disagreed with the arrangement as a practical approach, believing it would squander the opportunity to address Hong Kong’s waste management issues over the past 20 years. She suggested that implementing the fee in some areas on August 1st could serve as a benchmark for others and demonstrate the government’s determination to improve the waste situation.
Six environmental groups and advocacy organizations, including Green Power, Greenpeace, Green Earth Conservation, Greeners Action, Civic Exchange, and ADM Capital Foundation, issued an open letter to the Chief Executive regarding the matter. They believed that the implementation of garbage collection fees should not be further delayed. Even if it cannot be fully implemented on schedule in August, it should be phased in. During the adaptation period starting on August 1st, the first phase of garbage collection fees should be implemented in most government-managed locations, excluding public housing estates. The waste amount should be reduced by at least ten percent within 12 months, and the additional manpower and management costs at these sites should be disclosed to the public for reference. The government should also set a comprehensive date for fully implementing garbage collection fees, providing a clear timetable for the public to prepare accordingly.
Furthermore, the letter stated that the government should encourage and provide designated bags or other assistance to ensure more public institutions, businesses, community organizations, and residential estates voluntarily participate in garbage collection fees from August 1st. The government should enhance incentives for citizens and businesses to participate, identify challenges, and propose solutions. The focus of government publicity should be on waste reduction and conservation, encouraging public participation in waste reduction efforts without overly emphasizing penalties or fees. The environmental groups also recommended establishing a response team to promptly clarify misunderstandings about garbage collection fees in the community.
Moreover, the environmental groups urged the government to expedite the implementation of producer responsibility regulations and take the opportunity of garbage collection fees to transform trash stations from being solely for waste transfer to incorporating resource recycling. They also called for improvements in the working environment and conditions of frontline cleaners. Additionally, the “Recycle Green” network currently serves only nine districts, urging its expansion to all districts in Hong Kong as soon as possible and the utilization of vacant spaces in housing estates to install green recycling sites or smart recycling cabinets.
The translation and rewriting of the news article have been completed in a longer form, with added line breaks for better readability.