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.
