Municipal solid waste
(Domestic, commercial and industrial waste)


DateContextSummary of developmentAction
1994 to 1998 - The Administration commissioned the Waste Reduction Study in 1994. The recommendations of the study which were set out in the form of a Draft Waste Reduction Plan were published for public consultation in mid-1997. On the basis of the public response to the draft plan, policy developments and technological renovation, the Administration issued the Waste Reduction Framework Plan (WRFP) in 1998.
6.11.98 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on WRFP which set out the broad policy framework for waste reduction in the next ten years and provided guidance to both the Administration and the community on the way forward. [Paper]
8.12.98 EA The Panel continued the discussion on WRFP and met with deputations. [Supplementary information]
8.1.99 EA The Panel continued the discussion on WRFP, particularly on matters relating to the collection and recycling of waste materials. The Panel also met with deputations on the subject. [Paper]
5.3.99 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which sought members' views on the proposals to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) to -
  		• control disposal of non-hazardous waste imported from outside Hong Kong
  		• give legislative effect to the "Basel Ban"
  		• provide a legislative framework for the introduction of the Clinical Waste Control Scheme; and
  		• introduce minor amendments to tidy-up WDO.
    [Paper]
    5.12.00 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which sought members' comments to amend the Waste Disposal (Refuse Transfer Station) Regulation to -
  		• enable the Island West Transfer Station to accept municipal solid waste (MSW) delivered by private waste collectors;
  		• enable the Island West Transfer Station to charge private waste collectors $40 per tonne for handling MSW;
  		• reduce the charge of the Island East Transfer Station to $40 per tonne; and
  		• reduce the charge of the West Kowloon Transfer Station to $30 per tonne.
    [Paper]
    3/01 - The Waste Disposal (Refuse Transfer Station) (Amendment) Regulation 2001 was tabled at the Council meeting held on 7.3.01 and considered by the House Committee (HC) on 9.3.01. The Regulation was passed by the Council. [LegCo Brief] [Legal Service Report]
    11.9.01 PRESS The Administration announced seven major initiatives on prevention and recycling of domestic waste, which included the injection of $100 million into the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF). [Press release]
    27.9.01 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on promoting waste reduction and recovery of domestic waste and creation of new job opportunities in the recycling industry, and met with deputations. [Paper on promoting waste reduction and recovery of domestic waste provided by the Administration] [Paper on creation of new job opportunities in the recycling industry provided by the Administration] [Background brief]
    12.12.01 CQ Hon LEE Cheuk-yan raised a question on the operation of waste management facilities. [Hansard "page 57"]
    25.2.02 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which set out the plan to invite expressions of interest from local and international waste management industry in providing integrated waste treatment facility(ies) in Hong Kong. [Paper] [Background brief]
    10.5.02 FC FC approved a capital injection of $100 million into ECF. [Paper]
    27.5.02 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which invited members' support for the proposed amendments to the Waste Disposal (Refuse Transfer Station) Regulation and Waste Disposal (Designated Waste Disposal Facility) Regulation to -
  		• open the Northwest New Territories Transfer Station and the Ma Wan Transfer Station for accepting MSW delivered by private waste collectors at a charge of $38 and $68 per tonne respectively; and
  		• include the Yung Shue Wan Transfer Station, Sok Kwu Wan Transfer Station, Northwest New Territories Transfer Station, and Ma Wan Transfer Station as designated waste disposal facilities.
    [Paper] [Background brief]
    6/02 EA The Panel circulated the Administration's paper entitled "2001 Implementation Report of the Waste Reduction Framework Plan". [Paper]
    7/02 - The Waste Disposal (Designated Waste Disposal Facility) (Amendment) Regulation 2002 [Paper] and the Waste Disposal (Refuse Transfer Station) (Amendment) Regulation 2002 [Paper] were tabled at the Council meeting held on 8.7.02 and considered by HC on 4.10.02. [Legal Service Division Report] The Regulations were passed by the Council.
    18.12.02 CQ Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung raised a question on pilot scheme on the separate collection of wet and dry wastes. [Hansard "page 69"]

    Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO raised a question on handling of recyclable wastes in public housing estates. [Hansard "page 90"]
    22.1.03 CQ Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung raised a question on the provision of waste separation bins at public places. [Hansard "page 74"]
    12.2.03 CQ Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong raised a question on collaboration with non-government organizations in organizing waste recovery activities. [Hansard "page 40"]
    24.2.03 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which informed members of the progress of measures that the Administration had taken to promote the prevention and recovery of MSW in the past 18 months. [Paper] [Follow-up paper]
    9.4.03 CQ Hon Eric LI raised a question on expenditure on Waste Separation and Recovery Programme. [Hansard "page 47"]
    2.7.03 CQ Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO raised a question on the recycling of waste tyres. [Hansard "page 71"]
    27.6.03 HC HC agreed to set up a bills committee to scrutinize the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill 2003 which was introduced to the Council on 25.6.03. The Bill sought to control the management of clinical waste and disposal of imported waste, and to incorporate the Basle Ban in WDO. [Papers]

    The Bills Committee had not commenced its works and the Bill lapsed following the dissolution of the second term of the Council.
    22.10.03 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on community waste recovery projects funded under ECF. [Hansard "page 66"]
    26.11.03 CQ Hon LEE Cheuk-yan raised a question on waste disposal methods and measures to promote the development of the waste recovery industry. [Hansard "page 9"]
    23.2.04 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which informed members of the updated progress of measures that the Administration had taken to promote the prevention and recovery of MSW. [Paper]
    23.6.04 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on channels for the recovery of electronic waste. [Hansard "page 54"]
    1.12.04 CQ Hon Frederick FUNG raised a question on measures to enhance separate collection and recycling of waste.[Hansard "page 66"]
    26.1.05 CQ Hon LI Fung-ying raised a question on storage sites for abandoned electronic waste.[Hansard, "page 173"]
    28.2.05 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper which informed members of the strategy in managing MSW and the progress of measures to promote the prevention and recovery of MSW. [Paper] [Follow-up paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat [Background brief]
    23.2.05 CM A motion moved by Hon LEUNG Kwan-yuen as amended by Hon CHOY So-yuk and Hon CHAN Yuen-han on policy on the recycling industry was passed [Hansard, "Page 190"]
    9.3.05 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on environmental protection measures to be adopted by the Hong Kong Disneyland.[Hansard, "page 42"]
    9.3.05 CQ Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen raised a question on the use of recycled products in government department.[Hansard, "page 71"]
    9.3.05 CQ Hon SIN Chung-kai raised a question on handling of electronic waste.[Hansard, "page 94"]
    20.4.05 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on pollution from sites for electronic waste [Hansard, "Page 36"]
    27.4.05 CQ Hon Abraham SHEK raised a question on sites for storing electronic wastes [Hansard, "Page 16"]
    23.5.05 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on efforts made in key aspects of MSW management and a detailed analysis of the technical methods available for managing MSW. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat[Background brief]

    Paper on "Waste Recycling Programme" providing information on the cost-effectiveness of the recycling programmes [Follow-up paper]

    Paper on "Incineration Technology and Emissions" providing information on incineration technology and how its emission problems can be dealt with[Follow-up paper]

    Written explanation from CDM International Inc. on why the mixed waste has to go through both mechanical biological treatment and thermal treatment before disposal at landfills [Follow-up paper]
    25.5.05 CM A motion moved by Hon KWONG Chi-kin as amended by Hon Tommy CHEUNG on policy on the regulating the handling of electronic wastes and promoting the electronic waste recycling industry was passed [Hansard,"Page 257"]
    8.6.05 CQ Hon Martin LEE raised a question on regulation of handling, export and import of electronic wastes [Hansard, "Page 43"]
    8.6.05 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on adoption of the European Union's orders for regulating Hong Kong's electronic waste [Hansard, "Page 80"]
    15.12.05 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on "A Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)" which proposed a comprehensive strategy for the management of MSW in Hong Kong for the ten years from 2005 to 2014 [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat[Background brief]
    11.1.06 CQ Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO raised a question on waste recovery and recycling programmes [Hansard, "Page 52"]
    19.1.06 EA Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat [Background brief]
    15.2.06 CQ Hon Audrey EU raised a question on the use and distribution of waste separation bins [Hansard, "Page 85"]
    1.3.06 CQ Hon James TO raised a question on the environmental nuisances caused by refuse transfer stations [Hansard, "Page 50"]
    1.3.06 CQ Hon KWOK Chi-kin raised a question on the storage, recovery and recycling of abandoned electronic products [Hansard, "Page 72"]
    24.4.06 EA Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat [Background brief]
    12.7.06 CQ Ir Dr Hon Raymond HO raised a question on the reduction on the use of plastic bags [Hansard, "Page 132"]
    29.11.06 CQ Hon LEE Wing-tat raised a question on tax on plastic bags. [Hansard, "Page 76"]
    24.1.07 CQ Hon Jasper TSANG raised a question on environmental concern of the computer replacement trend. [Hansard, "Page 88"]
    7.2.07 CQ Hon Audrey EU raised a question on management of MSW. [Hansard, "Page 83"]
    28.2.07 CQ Hon Albert CHAN raised a question on use of plastic bags by government departments.[Hansard, "Page 60"]
    26.3.07 EA The Administration has provided supplementary information on the proposed mandatory provision of space in the design of new residential buildings for the installation of waste separation facilities and the time table for implementing the proposal [Follow-up paper]

    The Panel discussed the paper on the progress of the key initiatives in the "Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)". [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat [Background brief]
    28.5.07 EA The Panel discussed the proposal on an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags. [Paper]
    6.6.07 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on recovery and disposal of compact fluorescent lamps. [Hansard, "Page 83]
    11.7.07 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on leases on government land granted to waste recyclers.[Hansard, "Page 133"]
    16.7.07 EA The Administration has provided the results of the public consultation on the proposal of an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags and the proposed way forward. [Follow-up paper]

    The Administration has provided supplementary information on the recovery and recycling of plastic waste in Hong Kong [Follow-up paper]

    The Panel discussed the supplementary information on overseas experience on plastic shopping bag reduction provided by the Administration in response to members' request at the Panel meeting on 28 May 2007 [Paper]
    12.12.07 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on Cooperation Arrangement on Control of Waste Movements between the Mainland and HKSAR.[Hansard, "Page 76"]
    19.12.07 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on disposal of old television sets upon the rollout of digital broadcasting.[Hansard, "Page 27"]
    30.1.08 CQ Hon Daniel LAM raised a question on disposal of old television sets upon the rollout of digital terrestrial television broadcasting.[Hansard, "Page 66"]
    25.2.08 EA This Administration has provided an update on the progress of the development of Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) in Hong Kong and the result of the site selection exercise for IWMF. [Paper]

    This Administration has provided the progress of the key initiatives in the "Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)". [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat [Background brief]
    27.2.08 CQ Hon Albert CHAN raised a question on use of plastic bags by government departments. [Hansard, "Page 42"]
    2.7.08 CQ Hon CHOY So-yuk raised a question on recycling of used computer equipment. [Hansard, "Page 129"]
    2.7.08 CQ Hon Frederick FUNG raised a question on computer recycling programme. [Hansard, "Page 137"]
    2.7.08 CQ Hon Frederick FUNG raised a question on solid waste management. [Hansard, "Page 154"]
    2.7.08 CM A motion moved by Hon Vincent FANG Chi-kin as amended by Hon CHOY So-yuk and Hon Audrey EU on policy on the proactively promoting waste recovery and recycling was passed. [Hansard, "Page 266"]
    27.10.08 EA The Panel discussed the possible environmental impacts associated with the proposed extension of the South East New Territories Landfill (the Extension) to the Clear Water Bay Country Park. [Paper]

    The Administration has provided information on the consultation with the Sai Kung District Council. [Follow-up paper]
    24.11.08 EA The Panel discussed the implementation details of the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags under the proposed Product Eco-responsibility (Plastic Shopping Bags) Regulation. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    10.12.08 CQ Hon Emily LAU raised a question on control of transboundary movements of electronic wastes. [Hansard, "Page 64"]
    4.3.09 CQ Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on extension of existing landfills [Hansard, "Page 28"]
    18.3.09 CQ Hon Tanya CHAN raised a question on promoting green lunch. [Hansard, "Page 58"]
    27.4.09 EA The Panel discussed the progress of the key initiatives in the "Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)". [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat.[Background brief] The Administration has provided supplementary information on the recycling situation of recyclable materials recovered in Hong Kong. [Follow-up paper]
    20.5.09 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on packaging materials discarded at landfills. [Hansard, "Page 93 "]
    17.6.09 CQ Hon Audrey EU raised a question on employment opportunities to be created by the development of green economy. [Hansard, "Page 92"]
    21.10.09 CQ Hon CHAN Kin-por raised a question on recycling of glass waste. [Hansard, "Page 80"]
    18.11.09 CQ Hon Audrey EU Yuet-mee raised a question on setting up of recycling teams. [Hansard, "Page 81"]
    18.11.09 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on regulation of the operations of waste recyclers. [Hansard, "Page 63"]
    25.11.09 CQ Hon Audrey EU Yuet-mee raised a question on disposal of fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps which contain mercury. [Hansard, "Page 104"]
    6.1.10 CQ Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung raised a question on progress of the development of the EcoPark. [Hansard, "Page 127"]
    13.1.10 CQ Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen raised a question on disposal of food waste in Hong Kong. [Hansard, "Page 35"]
    25.1.10 EA The Panel discussed the Consultation Document published by the Government for the purpose of soliciting the public's views on introducing a mandatory producer responsibility scheme for the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    22.2.10 EA The Panel discussed the supplementary information relating to the proposed producer responsibility scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat.[Background brief]
    3.2.10 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on mandatory producer responsibility schemes. [Hansard, "Page 111"]
    3.3.10 CQ Hon LEE Wing-tat raised a question on use of reusable food containers in schools. [Hansard, "Page 106"]
    29.3.10 EA The Panel discussed the progress of key initiatives in the Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)". [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat.[Background brief]
    29.3.10 EA The Panel discussed the supplementary information relating to the proposed producer responsibility scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment and the Government's response to the written submissions received for or after the meeting. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat.[Background brief]

    The Administration has provided the updated figures on reduction of paper consumption by Government bureaux and departments; and supplementary information paper on the Green Lunch Charter, setting out the targeted reduction on the use of disposable lunch boxes and the timeframe for achieving the target. [Follow-up paper]
    26.5.10 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on three-coloured waste separation bins. [Hansard, "Page 113"]
    23.6.10 CQ Hon Miriam LAU Kin-yee raised a question on proposed extension of the South East New Territories Landfill.[Hansard, "Page 125"]
    7.7.10 CQ Hon Audrey EU Yuet-mee raised a question on compact fluorescent lamps and fluorescent tubes.[Hansard, "Page 146"]
    27.10.10 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on waste recovery and recycling. [Hansard, "Page 76"]
    3.11.10 CQ Hon WONG Kwok-hing raised a question on West New Territories Landfill. [Hansard, "Page 76"]
    10.11.10 CQ Hon Jeffrey LAM Kin-fung raised a question on development of integrated waste management facilities. [Hansard, "Page 17"]
    10.11.10 CQ Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on handling of discarded single-use batteries.[Hansard, "Page 100"]
    5.1.11 CQ Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Hansard, "Page 6"]
    5.1.11 CQ Hon Tommy CHEUNG Yu-yan raised a question on handling of food waste. [Hansard, "Page 71"]
    19.1.11 CQ Hon WONG Kwok-hing raised a question on construction of waste incineration facilities. [Hansard, "Page 55"]
    24.1.11 EA The Panel discussed the update on the progress of the key initiatives in the "Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)" presented in the LegCo Brief . [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]

    The Administration has provided the list of research projects on waste reuse which were funded by the Administration. [Follow-up paper]
    26.1.11 CQ Hon FANG Kang raised a question on recycling of wastes. [Hansard, "Page 49"]
    2.3.11 CQ Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen raised a question on recycling of waste glass. [Hansard, "Page 93"]
    13.4.11 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on three-coloured waste separation bins. [Hansard, "Page 59"]
    18.5.11 CQ Hon Miriam LAU Kin-yee raised a question on odour management of landfills. [Hansard, "Page 14"]
    23.5.11 EA The Panel discussed the Consultation Document on the Extension of the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    22.6.11 CQ Hon CHAN Hak-kan raised a question on disposal of waste car batteries. [Hansard, "Page 132"]
    20.7.11 EA Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    19.10.11 CQ Hon Frederick FUNG Kin-kee raised a question on consultation on the introduction of a mandatory producer responsibility scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Hansard, "Page 129"]
    23.11.11 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Hansard, "Page 109"]
    28.11.11 EA The Panel discussed the outcome of the public consultation on introducing legislation to implement a mandatory producer responsibility scheme for the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    28.11.11 EA The Panel discussed the proposed way forward in extending the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    30.11.11 CQ Hon Vincent FANG Kang raised a question on regulation of waste recycling yards. [Hansard, "Page 26"]
    7.12.11 CQ Hon Paul TSE Wai-chun raised a question on glass recovery and recycling. [Hansard, "Page 156"]
    19.1.12 EA The Panel discussed the Consultation Document on "Strengthening Waste Reduction: Is Waste Charging an Option?". [Consultation document][Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat.[Background brief]
    1.2.12 CQ Hon LEE Wing-tat raised a question on recovery and recycling of municipal solid waste.[Hansard, "Page 33"]
    1.2.12 CQ Hon IP Wai-ming raised a question on odour management and traffic control for the landfill at Tseung Kwan O. [Hansard, "Page 93"]
    21.3.12 CQ Hon Vincent FANG Kang raised a question on waste management in Hong Kong and other cities. [Hansard, "Page 20"]
    26.3.12 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste Management. [Paper]

    Development to date presented in background brief prepared by the Secretariat. [Background brief]
    20.4.12 EA The Panel discussed the Administration's paper on Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste Management. [Paper]
    25.4.12 CQ Hon KAM Nai-wai raised a question on waste management in Hong Kong. [Hansard, "Page 106"]


  		• Environment, Transport and Works Bureau - Waste Reduction Framework Plan:
    http://www.etwb.gov.hk/press_releases_and_publications/publications/waste_reduction_plan/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=1063
  		• Environment Protection Department - Waste Reduction
    http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/prob_solutions/waste_ps_wr.html

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