Landfill expansion can't wait: Loh

July 09, 2013

Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh says Hong Kong's three landfills must be expanded to meet waste reduction targets.
 
“We are seeking to expand the landfills first because they will be full in a few years’ time, and without other new facilities, Hong Kong’s waste will have nowhere to go,” she said during a radio programme today.
 
The Government is adopting a multi-pronged approach to waste management, and has put forward a blueprint with waste reduction targets and a timetable, she said.
 
The funding that the Government is now seeking is for a study on how to conduct the expansion of the Tuen Mun landfill, which will take about two years to complete. During this period, she said the Government will continue to discuss with residents any problems and concerns arising from the plan.
 
At the same time, the Government will spare no effort in improving the condition of landfills, including subsidising the refuse collection trade to improve the quality of their trucks to minimise odours.
 
Ms Loh said the Government, together with the Council for Sustainable Development, will launch a public consultation on waste charging in the coming months, hoping the measure can be introduced in 2016 after Legislative Council endorsement.