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The following is issued on behalf of the Advisory Council on the Environment:
The Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) held a public forum today (March 24) to exchange views with various stakeholders and members of the public on the introduction of municipal solid waste (MSW) charging and a sustainable waste management strategy for Hong Kong.
The public forum discussed different waste charging approaches and the associated requirements in the complementary measures, as well as a sustainable waste management strategy for Hong Kong and related topics.
Representatives from various sectors and professions, including green groups, recycling industries, property management, local organisations, academics, members of the public and students, participated in the forum today. They shared views on the relevant topics and gave valuable opinions.
The ACE Chairman, Professor Paul Lam, attended the forum alongside other ACE members and the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau. They listened to the opinions expressed and exchanged views with the participants.
Speaking at the forum, Mr Yau stated that the Government, with "Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste Management" as its objective, has adopted a three-pronged approach with concrete actions to tackle the imminent waste management problem in Hong Kong. It includes strengthened efforts to reduce waste at source, introduction of modern technologies to enhance our waste treatment capability, and the timely extension of landfills.
Mr Lam said, "The forum allows us to understand the concerns of stakeholders and members of the public. Their views could help the Government chart the way forward for its work in the next stage."
The Government launched a three-month public consultation on the introduction of waste charging as an economical means to reduce the generation of municipal solid waste on January 10. The consultation period will end on April 10.
ACE discussed the consultation document in an earlier meeting. To tackle the waste problem in Hong Kong, ACE agreed that MSW charging could be an effective economic incentive in inducing behavioural changes in the community for waste reduction.
Ends/Saturday, March 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:38
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