Revolutionizing Waste Management: HK’s New Culture of Waste Separation, According to the Environment Minister

Hong Kong is making strides in waste separation, according to Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan. He plans to update the Legislative Council this mid-year about public feedback on waste charging.

In a recent radio interview, Tse noted that the government’s efforts have managed to reverse a troubling 20-year trend of rising waste disposal. The average amount of waste each person throws away daily decreased from 1.53 kilograms in 2021 to 1.44 kilograms in 2023. That’s a 6% drop! Despite this progress, he emphasized that the overall waste level in Hong Kong is still quite high.

When discussing the halted waste-charging scheme, Tse acknowledged public concerns about when to implement it. He stressed that it’s essential to educate everyone on the significance of cutting down waste and boosting recycling efforts.

Hong Kong’s first waste-to-energy plant, I·PARK1, is set to start operations by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, a second facility, I·PARK2, was tendered last December, aiming to significantly reduce landfill waste by 2035.

Tse mentioned that if residents focus on reducing waste and recycling more, a third facility might not be needed. This could lead to lower costs for society.

The government’s plans for this year include promoting waste reduction at its source. There will be 800 recycling points, and the number of food waste collection points is expected to double from 800 to 1,500.

After a trial period for the new “plastic-free” regulations, most businesses have complied. Many people are adjusting their habits, with fewer customers asking for takeout utensils at restaurants.