Bernard Chan

Opinion | Waste charging: changing Hongkongers’ habits won’t happen overnight

Even the success stories of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan took years to overcome their unique challenges to integrate waste management schemes into people’s lives. The important thing is to start somewhere, and start now

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A man pushes a cart of rubbish through Central, Hong Kong, on August 17. It will take time for the community to understand the long-term benefits and importance of recycling and sustainable waste management. Photo: Jelly Tse

Bernard Chan

Published: 9:35am, 12 Jan 2024

Hong Kong will introduce municipal waste charging on April 1, a crucial step in dealing with the ever-increasing volume of waste that our heavily consumer-oriented society generates.

In line with those deemed to operate strong and effective waste management systems, Hong Kong’s introduction of charges for waste disposal is central to a process that will take time to integrate into society and change habits.

Providing financial incentives to reduce waste and increase recycling has proven to be a solution elsewhere. But it will take time to change habits and for all members of the community to understand the long-term benefits and importance of recycling and sustainable waste management.

Everyone must share the responsibility for their waste and be accountable as we move towards a “use less, waste less” society.

The efficiency and sustainability of any waste management system hinge on several factors. These include government policy, public participation, technological innovation and economic incentives.

Several neighbours, including Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, have enacted successful sustainable waste management systems. However, each has had to overcome unique challenges, generally taking many years.