Towards Net Zero and a Zero Landfill Future: Leveraging Hong Kong’s Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme for Sustainable Waste Management and Carbon Neutrality

Hong Kong confronts significant sustainability challenges in waste management and climate change, with an alarming daily disposal rate of 1.51 kg per person and a landfill capacity that is nearing exhaustion. This situation contributes to substantial greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the city has set ambitious targets to reduce per capita Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal by 45% and to increase recycling rates to 55%. This paper investigates how Hong Kong’s prolonged MSW Charging Scheme can facilitate the achievement of its 2050 carbon neutrality target and its goal of attaining zero landfill waste. Under a business-as-usual scenario, 68% of MSW is projected to be landfilled, with emissions projected to rise by 21% by 2050. However, adopting a Zero Landfill approach could potentially halve these emissions, emphasising the urgency for aggressive waste reduction and recycling initiatives. The study proposes three key strategies: (1) implementing mandatory waste segregation, (2) enforcing the developments outlined in the Waste Blueprint 2025, and (3) enhancing public engagement with climate and waste management policies. The successful execution of these strategies hinges on robust public support and education, which are essential for fostering a sustainable future for Hong Kong.