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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (August 23) chaired the first meeting of the Steering Committee to Promote the Sustainable Development of the Recycling Industry.
Mrs Lam said the Steering Committee was established to step up concerted efforts in reducing waste at source and promoting the development of the recycling industry in response to the "Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022", which aims at further reducing the local waste disposal rate. To take the matter forward, collaboration of relevant bureaux and departments is essential as the operation of the recycling industry involves different areas of work, she noted.
At their first meeting today, members reviewed the current situation of Hong Kong's recycling operation and support measures by the Government. The Steering Committee also reviewed the difficulties faced by the recycling trade.
Other than the Environment Bureau/Environmental Protection Department which is responsible for overseeing the "Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022" and providing secretarial support to the work of the Steering Committee, members of the Steering Committee comprise representatives from seven other bureaux including the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Food and Health Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Transport and Housing Bureau, as well as the Home Affairs Department and the Information Services Department which are responsible for district collaboration and promotion and publicity respectively.
The Steering Committee's terms of reference include reviewing the current local situation of collection and disposal of recyclables and the related policies and support measures, as well as identifying proactive approaches to facilitate development of the recycling industry, including exploring the setting up of a "Recycling Fund" and its mode of operation, and improving the network of community collection points. In addition, the Steering Committee will explore means to foster community support in recycling through public education and community involvement projects, and promote technological research and training and development of the workforce.
Engagement with the trade and relevant stakeholders will be conducted in the coming months to gauge their views on how to promote and support the recycling industry in Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, August 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:02
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