HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government is collecting data and listening to public opinions over the testing of the municipal solid waste charging scheme, and will announce its next course of action in May or June, the city’s leader said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, John Lee Ka-chiu stressed that the scheme has already been part of the law and the government should “seriously” run the trial at this stage.

“The purpose (of the testing) is to collect the data such as the participation rate, the overall supporting facilities, and steps that need to be considered if we are to take forward the waste charging scheme. We are serious about doing this test to ensure that we have collected sufficient data to let us decide how to take it forward,” Lee said.

The purpose (of the testing) is to collect the data such as the participation rate, the overall supporting facilities, and steps that need to be considered if we are to take forward the waste charging scheme. We are serious about doing this test to ensure that we have collected sufficient data to let us decide how to take it forward.

John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive

Different sectors – including residential units, commercial buildings, restaurants, and care homes – had faced different problems as they were selected to take part in the trial. The government has been seeking views from frontline cleaners, property managers to see what problems they have encountered, the chief executive said.

Suggestions from Legislative Council members were also important, as they represented residents and different sectors, he added.

As the scheme has involved all members of the public, the government would seek opinions from various sectors, he said.

Patriotic education working group

Asked about the criteria of choosing members for the Working Group on Patriotic Education, which was established on Monday, the CE said the government picked members based on their knowledge about the country's history, culture, and their passion and love for the country.

“I want them not just to be the workers; I want them to be the leaders; I want them to radiate their knowledge and passion on to those we want to educate,” he added.