Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says the Government intends to implement a construction waste disposal charging scheme next year, subject to the passage of the relevant bill in the current legislative session.

Responding to a question raised by Legislative Councillor Ho Chun-yan, Dr Liao said the Government has been following the polluter-pays principle.

It believes that through the adoption of effective financial tools, it can help promote environmental protection and sustainable development without hindering the free market, she added.

"We are also taking steps to explore ways to implement mandatory product responsibility schemes for various products in Hong Kong."

Study on tyres responsibility scheme to end soon

The Government is carrying out a study to examine the feasibility of introducing a proposed product responsibility scheme for waste tyres, which aims to reduce the quantity of tyres disposed of at landfills and provide the trade with incentives to recycle them. 

"Last October, we began a regulatory impact assessment study on the proposed scheme to evaluate in detail the cost-effectiveness of different options and their impacts on the industry and stakeholders, so as to identify the best option," she said. 

The study is expected to be completed soon and the Government plans to consult the industry and stakeholders on the recommended options within the year.

Recovery Park construction to start in 2005/06

On the Recovery Park, Dr Liao said the detailed environmental and traffic impact assessment studies on the Recovery Park to be established at Tuen Mun Area 38 is expected to be finished in December. 

"A judicial review of the environmental impact assessment report on the Airport Authority's proposal to build a facility at Tuen Mun Area 38, applied by the Shiu Wing Steel Ltd, has affected the progress of the rezoning of the area. 

"Moreover, due to budgetary constraints, the Government needs to explore the feasibility of involving the private sector in the development and operation of the Recovery Park."

The Government plans to start the first phase of construction of the Recovery Park in 2005/2006, she said.