Impacts of the implementation of the municipal solid waste charging scheme on public rental housing estates in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research aimed to study the implementation of the Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme on Public Rental Housing Estates in Hong Kong and ways to smoothen the implementation process. By integrating the theory of planned behaviour with sustainable waste management, it is believed that improving the residents’ attitudes, subjective norms in the estate, and the perceived behavioral control of residents would encourage residents to change their behavour in the waste disposal and mitigate problems arising from implementing the MSWCS. The research was conducted in two public housing estates with different locations and sizes. Both selected estates participated in phase two of the Trial Project. Residents, Housing Managers, and frontline staff from both estates were selected to be interviewed and studied. The results showed that the residents were positive towards the MSWCS, while the intention of residents to acquire the information was limited. The housing managers should put more effort into promoting and educating the residents to improve their understanding while reducing their anxiety and uncertainty to improve their attitudes and subjective norms. It is better to introduce more recycling facilities in the estates to encourage residents to recycle further. In short, there is room for improvement in enhancing residents' engagement with the MSWS. Recommendations would be proposed to various stakeholders, such as the government and property management companies.