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LCQ14: Measures to reduce the use of plastic bags
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    Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (February 27):

Question:

    In reply to my question on February 28 last year, the Government indicated that measures had been taken to encourage government departments to reduce the use of plastic bags.  However, I have learnt that government departments still use large quantities of black plastic bags for collecting garbage, broken branches and fallen leaves, and for carrying recovered waste.  Some members of the public have reflected to me that the use of large quantities of black plastic bags by the Government has not only produced adverse visual impact, but has also increased plastic waste.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the quantity of plastic bags, and the quantity of it which is non-biodegradable, used by each government department last year; and

(b) whether there are new measures in place to reduce the use of plastic bags by government departments; if so, of the details of such measures; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) We have given advice to government departments on reducing the use of plastic bags and on promoting the use of plastic bags made of more environment-friendly materials, and positive result was achieved in 2007.  Being the Government¡¦s main agent for refuse collection, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has actively reduced the use of plastic bags.  The number of plastic refuse bags used had been reduced from 5.3 million in 2006 to 4.5 million in 2007.  Moreover, the FEHD has started the trial use of plastic bags made of more environment-friendly materials and is currently conducting trials on plastic refuse bags with recycled content.  If the result is satisfactory and the cost-effectiveness is ascertained, the FEHD will consider the use of these bags on a full-scale basis.  In addition, the FEHD plans to conduct trials on the use of degradable plastic refuse bags.  Besides, the number of government departments using degradable plastic bags or plastic bags with recycled content for collecting refuse had increased from some 30 in 2006 to about 40 in 2007.  These plastic bags were mainly used for collecting waste from the offices.

(b) To reduce waste, it has always been the Government¡¦s policy to promote reduction, reuse and recycling.  Government departments will continue to take various measures to reduce the use of plastic bags, which include requiring cleansing services companies to minimize their use, and to replace the bags only when they are fully filled, damaged or when necessary.  Moreover, colleagues are regularly reminded of using less plastic bags and of other environmental issues through internal guidelines and by departmental green managers.

Ends/Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:51

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