'Waste charging should start in August at govt venues'

A green group has suggested that Hong Kong's much-delayed waste charging scheme should begin as planned on August 1, but only at government-run premises and facilities, other than public housing estates. The government earlier conceded that there are still problems with the pay-as-you-throw scheme, which has been tested at 14 locations since last month. In an open letter to Legco's environmental affairs panel on Thursday, the Green Earth said officials should start the first phase of the scheme in August, covering government offices, parks and public schools, among other venues. "Participating government departments should propose clear waste reduction targets, cutting waste by 10 percent within 12 months, while disclosing the manpower expenditure and management costs of relevant premises to the public," it said. The group also said the administration should encourage the industrial and commercial sectors, non-governmental institutions and residential estates to participate during the six-month period after the scheme takes effects, and consider offering them free designated rubbish bags. On promoting the scheme, the Green Earth said authorities should consider setting up a response team to gauge public opinion and use social media to make clarifications.