A survey found out that over 65 percent of respondents agreed to implement municipal solid waste charging in the city, and the survey team urged the Legislative Council to pass the relevant bill as soon as possible.

The survey was conducted by Civic Exchange that commissioned the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute. The research team interviewed 1,012 adults aged 18 or above through phone in mid-January.

Results showed that around 80 percent of respondents had reduced waste by reusing items and recycling. Over 65 percent of respondents agreed with the “polluter-pays” principle, meaning people will be charged based on the quantity of waste generated.

Data also revealed that around 90 percent of respondents said it is necessary to strengthen education in waste reduction and clean recycling.

The survey also saw about 70 percent of respondents in support of the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018.

The bill was introduced to LegCo in 2018 and a bills committee has been formed again in this legislative year to study the bill.

About 65 percent of respondents agreed to the charges proposed in the bill, suggesting people pay HK$0.11 for each kilogram of municipal solid waste.

The institute said the results showed that citizens from different classes have come to a mutual understanding on this issue, and hoped LegCo would pass the bill within this legislative year.

Otherwise government will have to wait another three to five years before submitting the bill to LegCo again.

Originally published on The Standard on May 20.