In November 2018, the government eventually introduced the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) Bill into the Legislative Council after 14 years of delay. Successful implementation of Waste Charging Scheme will create a positive impact on waste management in Hong Kong and the recycling industry. After the announcement of the government, some members of the LegCo indicated that they had received opposing views on the Scheme from public. The Conservancy Association, Greeners Action, Green Power, The Green Earth and Greenpeace recruited Department of Journalism and Communication of to conduct a public opinion survey to collect opinions on Waste Charging. 1,005 people were successfully interviewed.
The poll result shows that 85.5% of the interviewees supported the use of ‘polluter pays’ principle in waste management. This revealed that public opinion is crystal clear and people had a positive attitude towards the principle. 69.8% and 63.7% of the interviewees agreed that the Scheme could encourage citizens to reduce waste and to carry out recycling practices in daily life respectively. 51.6% of the interviewees agreed that the Scheme could promote the development of local recycling industry effectively. 81% of the interviewees supported the implementation of Scheme to reduce waste disposal. 77.8% of the interviewees agreed that LegCo should approve the Bill as soon as possible. This revealed that people agreed on the urgency of promoting Waste Charging.
Waste Charging may increase financial burden of the underprivileged, affecting their support towards the Bill. Therefore, green groups have specifically analyzed the poll data on the underprivileged sector (personal monthly income <$9000 or living in public housing estate). Results revealed that there was no significance difference on the support rate between the underprivileged and other sectors. Citizens from different sectors are also concerned about the environmental problems of Hong Kong. Additionally, the government has already promised to provide subsidy to people in need. It is believed that the measure could help ease their financial concern.
The poll has reflected that the public had a positive attitude towards Waste Charging and they were willing to bear their civic responsibility. It is hoped that the government and members of the LegCo could respond to the needs of the public and to improve the problem on municipal waste disposal.
Joint Actions from Green Groups - Municipal Waste Charging has been delayed for 14 years (Chinese only)
Joint Actions from Green Groups - urge the government to introduce Municipal Solid Waste Charging Bill into LegCo as soon as possible (Chinese only)
Green groups released an opinion survey conducted by University, 85% of people supports charges based on the weight of waste disposed (Chinese only)
