The Council for Sustainable Development has suggested the introduction of a waste-disposal charge to deal with the problem of rapidly filling landfills.

The council yesterday launched its first consultation paper on a proposed sustainable development strategy for Hong Kong, covering solid waste management, renewable energy and urban living space.

Most of Hong Kong's solid waste is disposed of in landfills, costing taxpayers more than HK$1.5 billion a year. And existing landfills will reach full capacity within the next decade.

If landfills continue to be Hong Kong's only waste disposal method, an area of 400 hectares (equivalent to 24 Victoria Parks) will be needed and some HK$12 billion in government money will be spent before 2030, according to the council.

The waste-disposal charge, under a "polluter-pays" principle, aims to encourage households and businesses to reduce waste and recycle.

Albert Lai, convener of the council's support group, noted successful examples in South Korea and Taiwan, which managed to reduce the volume of waste by 30 per cent and 40 per cent respectively after imposing charges on the polluters.

The public is also asked to consider alternatives to landfills, waste management and whether to provide more support to the recycling industry.

Regarding renewable energy, the council said Hong Kong's electricity is generated locally with fossil fuels, which causes deterioration of air quality, contributes to global warning while subjecting the local economy to fuel price fluctuation.

The council proposed wind and solar power and energy from thermal waste treatment, pointing out that the public has to bear with steep hikes in electricity bills in the short run.

The consultation paper also suggested development of residential and commercial sites in the New Territories to expand Hong Kong people's living space.

The balance between preservation of heritage and revitalizing of old districts should be taken into consideration, the council said.

"The process of building the strategy is being done in a genuinely open, participatory and responsive way. In taking this process forward, we will not only emphasize the importance of partnership and inclusiveness, but also put these principles into practice," said Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, the council chairman.

An interactive website (www.susdev.org.hk), which includes a chat-room, has been set up to engage the community in discussing the issue, said the council's vice-chairman Edgar Cheng.

Public views should reach the council by November 12.

(HK Edition 07/16/2004 page2)