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Delayed from April to August, the public remains oblivious and confused to Hong Kong’s waste-charging regulations, which aims to limit excess trash in the landfill.
Overview
The waste-charging scheme, covering residential and commercial areas, aims to reduce trash sent to landfills, and residents must buy government-approved trash bags to dispose of the trash. For larger items, specific labels are also available.
The Delay
The measure was originally set to be implemented on April 1st, 2024. However, after getting pushed back last year, the measure implementation has been delayed to August 1st, 2024. The delay will allow more time for publicity work and will help reduce confusion by the effective date.
Demonstrations
In place of the original effective date, there will be demonstrations on April 1st to raise public awareness. These demonstrations will also help identify issues in advance, just in time for the new effective date.
Trash Bags
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From the end of January, people can buy garbage bags from supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies.
Below are the garbage bag prices according to their size:
| 3L | HKD $0.3 |
| 5L | HKD $0.6 |
| 10L | HKD $1.1 |
| 15L | HKD $1.7 |
| 20L | HKD $2.2 |
| 35L | HKD $3.9 |
| 50L | HKD $5.5 |
| 75L | HKD $8.5 |
| 100L | HKD $11 |
Based on the polluters-pay principle, you can reduce costs by filtering out recyclables and disposing of them in recycling bins. You don’t need the authorized bags to do so.
You can also recycle food waste by separating it from other wastes and dispose of it in food waste bins.
Compliance and Consequences
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There will be a six-month grace period after the implementation date where offenders will only get verbal warnings for failing to comply.
After the period, however, offenders who don’t use designated bags and labels will be fined HKD $1,500. Serious and repeated offenders will be prosecuted, fined HKD $25,000-$50,000, and imprisoned for up to six months.
Employers instructing someone else to dispose of the waste in a non-compliant manner, as well as cleaning contractors and workers, will also be held responsible for failing to use authorized bags.
Large Items
Larger items that can’t fit the authorized bags will need designated labels (which costs HKD $11 each) before disposal.
Conclusion
While delayed from April 1st all the way to August, the waste-charging scheme in Hong Kong aims to reduce excess landfill trash.
For locals, remember to use designated trash bags and labels for proper disposal in compliance with the new measures. In the meantime, keep practicing garbage separation and proper disposal in preparation for this new measure.
Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with our partner Pacific Prime.
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