Hong Kong enhances food waste collection, ferry oversight after audit
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan says the Environmental Protection Department has improved food waste service contracts and used AI to review tender documents. The Transport Department has set up a task force to boost ferry operators' non-ticket revenue and strengthened monitoring of ferry servic
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is continuously improving food waste management following recommendations from the Audit Commission and the Legislative Council's Public Accounts Committee. Measures include expanding the collection network, stepping up public education, and strengthening screening of contaminants in food waste to improve recycling quality.
Speaking in the legislature in response to the committee's report, Chan said the EPD drew up a series of monitoring guidelines in April, clearly specifying inspection criteria and procedures, assessment of violations, and follow-up procedures for late submission of reports. The department has also trialled using artificial intelligence to assist in reviewing tender documents, employing technology to ensure compliance with government procurement guidelines.
The EPD has optimised the tender estimate valuation methods and evaluation criteria for food waste collection service contracts, implementing the relevant procedures in service contracts tendered in July. Chan added that the department would continue to identify more sites for collection points while reviewing the operation of existing points and adjusting locations and service hours as needed.
On the regulation and monitoring of ferry services, Chan said the Transport Department has been actively coordinating with operators to implement measures that boost non-ticket revenue. The department has set up a dedicated task force for cross-departmental coordination and to vet proposals for commercial activities that increase non-ticket revenue, as well as suggestions for pier upgrades.
For franchised ferry services, Chan said the Transport Department is actively discussing with operators to optimise timetables and monitoring fleet maintenance and engine progress to improve service performance. It has also strengthened inspections of non-franchised ferry routes in line with the Audit Commission's recommendations to better grasp operational conditions.
Additionally, the Transport Department has formulated internal working guidelines, taken measures, and strengthened oversight of the consultant companies responsible for field surveys. It has reminded all operators to display markings provided by the department in prominent positions on vessels, and to put up promotional posters with QR codes on the department's website and at major public piers so the public can access the latest non-franchised ferry service information at any time.