Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (September 30):

Reporter: Good morning, Chief Executive. What's the SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government reaction to the new US Consul-General for inviting opposition figures to her inaugural reception? And for the second question on solid waste charging scheme, what's the Government's plan on the next step forward to reduce the city's waste? Thank you.

Chief Executive: Consuls have the responsibility to abide by relevant international conventions and established diplomatic practices. They should perform their duties in Hong Kong in a manner befitting their diplomatic status and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong's affairs under any pretext or in any form. They should respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong. I hope all consuls in Hong Kong will engage in constructive activities, not destructive activities. 

     Regarding waste charging, the implementation of any policy requires comprehensive consideration, including the degree of social acceptance of the issue, whether a consensus has been reached, and the relevant supporting measures and environmental factors. Our resolve to promote waste reduction and recycling measures remains unchanged. Our goal remains unchanged: to achieve zero landfill by 2035. Waste charging is one of the tools to promote waste reduction and recycling, but it requires social consensus. We have carefully studied surveys and listened to the views of citizens, trades and the industry. We understand a consensus has not been reached. I want to emphasise that the Government's efforts in waste reduction and recycling will not stop. 

     Through the multipronged efforts of the Government, including enhancing recycling measures, promoting waste reduction at source, strengthening public education and publicity, results in waste reduction and recycling are being seen. Over the past four years from 2021 to 2024, the average daily disposal of solid waste decreased by 7.5 per cent. Per capita disposal fell by about 8 per cent. Over the past five years from 2020 to 2024, the overall recovery volume increased by one-third. Public awareness of waste reduction continues to grow. The amount of waste disposal continues to decrease, and in the first half of this year, it is a drop of 5 per cent. 

     The Government will continue to promote waste reduction and recycling in four areas: first, strengthen publicity and education; second, improve the recycling network; third, together with the industry, explore and promote practical and feasible environmental protection measures; and fourth, support the environmental protection industry and leverage market forces to help drive waste reduction and recycling.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:35

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