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Following is a question by the Hon Ho Chun-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (June 9):

Question:

Regarding the Government's environmental protection projects, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the progress so far concerning the study on the levying of a tyre tax, mentioned by the Financial Secretary in this year's Budget; whether it has plans to introduce other taxes relating to environmental protection;

(b) of the progress in the establishment of a waste recovery park in Tuen Mun, and whether the project has been delayed; and

(c) whether it has plans to promote the development of environmental protection industries, including the waste recovery industry; if it has, of the details of the plans and implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) We are carrying out a study to examine the feasibility of introducing a proposed product responsibility scheme for waste tyres, which aims to reduce the quantity of waste tyres disposed of at landfills and provide the trade with incentives to recycle these tyres. Last October, we commenced a regulatory impact assessment study on the proposed scheme to evaluate in detail the cost-effectiveness of different options and their impacts on the industry and stakeholders, so as to identify the best option. The study is expected to be completed soon. We plan to consult the industry and stakeholders on the recommended option(s) within this year.

The Government has been following the polluter-pays principle and firmly believes that through the adoption of effective financial tools, we can help promote environmental protection and sustainable development without hindering the free market. For instance, we intend to implement a construction waste disposal charging scheme in 2005, subject to the passage of the relevant Bill in the current legislative session. We are also taking steps to explore ways to implement mandatory product responsibility schemes for various products in Hong Kong.

(b) We are conducting detailed environmental and traffic impact assessment studies on the Recovery Park to be established at Tuen Mun Area 38. We expect to complete the studies in December this year. A judicial review of the environmental impact assessment report on the Airport Authority's proposal to build a facility at Tuen Mun Area 38, applied by the Shiu Wing Steel Ltd, has affected the progress of the rezoning of the area. Moreover, due to budgetary constraints, the Government needs to explore the feasibility of involving the private sector in the development and operation of the Recovery Park. We currently plan to commence the first phase of construction of the Recovery Park in 2005/2006.

(c) We have been taking various measures to promote and coordinate waste recovery, which will in turn facilitate the development of the local recycling and green industry:

(1) continuously supporting and promoting various waste recovery business and community activities, and trying out different forms of waste recovery methods, such as the wet/dry waste sorting pilot scheme and the placement of waste separation bins in public venues and public/private housing estates;

(2) strengthening public education and publicity to encourage the public to participate in waste separation and recovery;

(3) providing land under short-term tenancies (STT) for recycling operations. At present, 27 sites with a total area of about five hectares have been leased to recyclers under this arrangement;

(4) planning for the establishment of the 20-hectare Recovery Park at Tuen Mun to provide long-term land for recycling operations;

(5) injecting $100 million into the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) to support primarily community waste recovery projects undertaken by community organisations and green groups;

(6) making available funding from the ECF and the Innovation and Technology Fund for introducing and developing new technologies for waste reduction and recycling so as to facilitate the development of new technologies and encourage the various sectors in Hong Kong to adopt such new technologies; and

(7) creating an economic environment conducive to recycling operations, which will in turn provide more business opportunities. For instance, we are examining the feasibility of introducing mandatory product responsibility schemes, and plan to implement the construction waste disposal charging scheme in 2005.

Recognising that land is essential for recycling operations, we will discuss with the relevant bureaux/departments ways to facilitate access of the recycling industry to industrial estates, and allocate more STT sites to recyclers and extend the tenancy period of such sites. These measures can encourage recyclers to make longer term investment in new technologies and equipment, which will in turn facilitate development of the green industry.

Ends/Wednesday, June 9, 2004

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