MSW charging

6 Key Points on Municipal Solid Waste Charging (MSW Charging) Implementation in Hong Kong

1. Implementation Date: MSW Charging will be enforced from April 1, 2024, aligning with the “polluter-pays” principle, making waste producers accountable for their disposal.

2. Need for MSW Charging:

  • In 2021, daily MSW disposal reached 1.53 kg/person, surpassing other major cities, straining landfills.
  • To combat climate change, MSW Charging promotes resource conservation, waste reduction, and recycling for a low-carbon lifestyle.

3. Two Charging Modes:

  • (i) Charging by Designated Bags/Labels: For waste collected by public/private collectors, users must use prepaid designated bags ($0.11/litre) or labels for oversized waste.
  • (ii) Charging by Weight (Gate-Fee): For waste collected by private collectors without compactors, charges are based on weight at disposal facilities.

4. Implementation Details:

  • Designated bags and labels available from authorized retail outlets from February 2024.
  • Gate-fee applicable for waste disposal without the need for designated bags or labels.

5. Publicity and Education:

  • Campaign Theme: “Dump Less, Save More.”
  • Three Guiding Principles:
    • Sustained public education.
    • First-hand experience through community projects.
    • Outreaching services and assistance by EPD’s Green Outreach team.

6. Enhanced Support for Waste Reduction and Recycling:

  • Additional resources allocated since FY 2019-20 for initiatives like Green Outreach, Recycling Stores, pilot schemes on recyclable collection, and reverse vending machines.
  • Funding to increase to no less than $800-1,000 million in the FY of MSW Charging implementation, aligning with generated revenue for dedicated use.

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