The Government announced the establishment of the Waste Reduction Committee and the appointment of its members today (Friday).
The Waste Reduction Committee, one of the measures included in the Waste Reduction Framework Plan launched on November 5, 1998, will help the Government devise, co-ordinate and focus waste reduction measures. It will also advise on priorities.
The terms of reference of the Waste Reduction Committee are :
* To promote public and private sector action to reduce waste, recover and reuse resources in accordance with the policies set out in the Waste Reduction Framework Plan and as subsequently directed by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands;
* To co-ordinate the work of the waste reduction task forces;
* To monitor local and international developments in waste reduction, and materials recovery and reuse, and advise the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands on appropriate responses; and
* To provide an annual report to the Advisory Council on the Environment on progress towards achieving waste reduction targets.
The Chief Secretary for Administration has appointed the following members:
Chairman
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Mr Barrie Cook
Members
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Mr Chan Chi-kau, Johnnie Casire
Ms Cheung Lai-ping, Lister
Mr Lau Che-feng, Edwin
Mr Leonard Law
Dr Poon Chi-sun
Mr Roger L. Walker
Professor Yue Po-lock
In addition, chairmen of the various waste reduction task forces established under the Waste Reduction Framework Plan are automatic members of the committee. The Deputy Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, and the Director of Environmental Protection will be ex-officio members.
At present, two task forces, namely, the Hotel Task Force chaired by Mr Jean-Marie LeClercq and the Public Housing Task Force chaired by Mr Kwok Shek-kwan, have been formed.
"Members of the Committee are drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, and include representatives from the business sectors, academics and environmental experts. The current membership represents a good mix of individuals bringing expertise and different perspectives from important sectors involved in waste reduction and recycling," a spokesman of the Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau said.
"The appointment of the Committee is an important first step. The Committee will have its first meeting February 10, 1999. We hope that we can quickly start work together on the important task of reducing wasteful habits in society," the spokesman added.
End/Friday, February 5, 1999
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