Hong Kong has been facing the issue of climbing solid waste as shown by the staggering figures, nearly 20,000 tons of solid waste produced per day and 1.47 kg per capital disposal every day. To lessen the burden of the landfills, which soon to be full, the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed in the Legislative Council in August 2021.
In other words, local residents have to buy designated garbage bags to dispose of their waste legally. So, when is the policy implemented? And how can you calculate the charge? Let’s look at this Cigna Smart Health article to learn more!
Waste Charging Is Set to Start in 2023
After the passage of the Bill, the Government will put in place a preparatory period of 18 months as a basic arrangement to enable it and various community sectors to get prepared. The Government will then propose an effective date and seek approval from the LegCo. The policy will be executed as soon as early 2023. When implemented, every citizen needs to purchase designated garbage bags to discharge domestic waste at a rate of HK$ 0.11 per liter.
A Preparatory Period of 18 Months for Adaptation
As explained by Wong Kam-sing, the Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong there is a preparatory period of 18 months when the Government will freely distribute the garbage bag to residents for a better transition. At the same time, the Government will also strengthen the recycling practice among communities, educate the public and promote the new policy. She will also help businesses handle their issues surrounding food waste. Besides, the initial period of waste charging will be set for adaptation when law enforcement will be more flexible, depending on the degree of violation.
Details of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging
According to the details revealed by the Government, the designated garbage bag will be priced at HK$ 0.11 per liter in the first three years of implementation. Those under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance will receive a monthly subsidy of HK$ 10. Under the charging scheme, there will be two modes of charging by designated garbage bags or designated labels. The latter will be for oversized waste that cannot be wrapped into a designated garbage bag, such as furniture. A uniform rate of $11 per piece will be charged. The oversized waste will need to be affixed with a designated label before disposal. You can see more details about the charging below.
1. Charging by Designated Garbage Bags or Designated Labels
Municipal solid waste will be imposed by requiring the use of pre-paid designated garbage bags. All citizens will need to purchase the bags and properly wrap the waste in the designated garbage bags before disposal. The designated garbage bags will be of nine different sizes, 3L, 5L, 10L, 15L, 20L, 35L, 50L, 75L, and 100L. You can see the suggested charges for the designated garbage bags below.
| Volume | Charges (Including garbage bags and waste charges) |
| 3L | HK$0.33 |
| 5L | HK$0.55 |
| 10L | HK$1.1 |
| 15L | HK$1.65 |
| 20L | HK$2.2 |
| 35L | HK$3.85 |
| 50L | HK$5.5 |
| 75L | HK$8.25 |
| 100L | HK$11 |
Designated garbage bags and designated labels could be purchased at a few thousands of authorized sales points (e.g. supermarkets, convenience stores, post offices, and vending machines, etc.). Designated garbage bags and designated labels will also be available for sale on authorized online platforms.
2. Charging by Weight-Based “Gate-Fee”
For MSW collected and disposed of by private waste collectors (PWCs) using waste collection vehicles without rear compactors, a “gate-fee” will be charged based on the weight of MSW disposed of at the waste disposal facilities, i.e. landfills or refuse transfer stations (RTSs). Each tonne of waste will be charged HK$365.
The Highest Penalty is a Fine of HK$ 50,000
After the phasing-in period, strict enforcement actions will be taken on a risk-based approach, with particular attention given to black spots. Fixed penalty tickets at $1,500 each will be issued to offenders intercepted on the spot, and prosecution by way of summons will also be taken against serious and repeat offenders. For a first conviction, a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. Those with a subsequent conviction can face a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Besides, a dedicated hotline would be set up by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to answer inquiries and accept complaints and reports on non-compliance.
Reduce and Recycle Your Home Appliances and Furniture
Nowadays, EPD is building a recycling network in all the districts of Hong Kong, named GREEN@COMMUNITY with 9 recycling stations, 22 recycling stores, and over 100 recycling spots at regular locations and weekly time schedules. As mentioned above, under the new scheme, a uniform rate will be charged for oversized waste. Therefore, to save money and for the good of the environment, you should consider taking your waste to these EPD locations before throwing away your home appliances and furniture.
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