Firstly, I wanted to thank participating members for your active participation in the stakeholder interview with the PwC, which took place on 10th January last week. Members' contributions and views forwarded to us have been instrumental in furthering our Federation's objectives and ensuring that the concerns and interests of our members are effectively reflected.
The "Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023" regarding the regulation of disposable plastic cutlery and other plastic products was passed by the Legislative Council on 18 October 2023. In order to allow the industry sufficient time to prepare, the government plans to implement the first phase of regulation starting from 22 April 2024 (World Earth Day).
The "Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023" regarding the regulation of disposable plastic cutlery and other plastic products was passed by the Legislative Council on 18 October 2023. In order to allow the industry sufficient time to prepare, the government plans to implement the first phase of regulation starting from 22 April 2024 (World Earth Day).
To enhance promotion of energy saving and decarbonisation in buildings, "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" announced that trade consultation would be conducted on the proposed amendments to the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance Cap.610 (BEEO). As part of the proposed amendments, the government plan to require hotel building to conduct energy audit as shown in enclosed Appendix 1.
On 13 December 2023, the Federation together with the Hon Perry YIU, LegCo Member (Travel Industry), Hong Kong Hotels Association and Hotel Controllers & Accountants Association of Hong Kong met with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to discuss the concerns and recommendations raised by the hotel trade regarding the amendments in the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, and for enhancing two existing producer responsibility schemes (PRS).
The "Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023" regarding the regulation of disposable plastic cutlery and other plastic products was passed by the Legislative Council on 18 October 2023. In order to allow the industry sufficient time to prepare, the government plans to implement the first phase of regulation starting from 22 April 2024 (World Earth Day).
A meeting has been arranged to meet with Environment Protection Department (EPD) regarding the amendments in the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, and for enhancing two existing producer responsibility schemes (PRS).
An online seminar has been arranged by the Hong Kong Hotels Association with Food, Environmental, and Health Department (FEHD) regarding 'Best Practices for Tackling Bedbugs' this coming Monday, 13 November 2023. The objective to facilitate hotel operators to strengthen their sanitary efforts, step up staff training, and review standard operation procedures (SOP) in tackling bedbugs.
On 8 November 2023, the Federation together with Hon Perry YIU, Legislative Council Member (Travel Industry) and the Hong Kong Hotels Association, met with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), led by Ms Irene Young, Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene. In the meeting, we expressed our concerns on the threat of bedbugs and exchanged views on the bedbug situation.
The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging Scheme will be implemented on 1 April 2024. MSW charging is based on the "polluter-pays" principle. All wastes disposed of by residential and non-residential (including commercial and industrial sectors) premises in Hong Kong will be subject to charging based on its quantity. To facilitate the hotel trades’ preparation for MSW charging, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is holding a series of briefings to provide details of implementation, including the charging modes, types and prices of designated bags and designated labels, legal requirements and penalties, waste reduction and recycling tips, etc.