The Government Announced Suspension of the Implementation of Municipal Solid Waste Charging
Property Management Services Authority Appeals to Property Management Companies to Discuss Management Fee Matters with Owners’ Organizations
The Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) notes today that the Government has suspended the implementation of municipal solid waste (MSW) charging. The PMSA notes that the Government has fully considered the views of the public and various sectors before making the decision. It will continue to encourage the property management (PM) industry to enhance environmental protection and waste reduction, strengthen recycling efforts, and prepare and work for Hong Kong's sustainable development.
The PMSA has issued a notice to all licensed PM companies (PMCs), reminding them that PM fee should be determined after consultation with owners’ organisation / owners / clients. Adjustment to PM fee may be made due to various factors, including increased manpower, repair and maintenance, and salary adjustment. If the preparation for MSW charging is one of the factors, and the implementation is now suspended, the owners’ organisation / owners / clients and the PMCs should discuss together as to whether any corresponding adjustment should be made, or whether the increased fees should be transferred to the management fund to cover future repair and maintenance, or to be retained for future implementation of MSW charging, or be refunded to the residents. The PMSA encourages PMCs to explore with owners’ organisation / owners / clients through consultation to address these issues and provide appropriate and clear explanation accordingly.
Furthermore, the Government has also announced that starting from June 1 2024, for a period of six months, free designated bags will be distributed monthly to all public housing estate residents to help them get used to waste reduction at source and make good use of the recycling facilities. As for private housing estates or buildings, if the PM signs the "Waste Reduction and Recycling Charter" and commits to providing sorting and recycling facilities at the premises, and ensuring that the recyclables are properly handed over to recyclers, free designated bags will also be provided. More details can be found on the Environmental Protection Department’s MSW charging website later. The PMSA will provide relevant information to the PMCs after understanding the details, and would help encourage the signing of the Charter.
Ends/Monday, 27 May 2024
Issued at HKT 19:30
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