OVERALL WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Analysis of the waste provides insight into the potential strategies for reducing waste in HK. By weighing and separating waste, we are able to ascertain the composition of waste. This would enable the government to develop a waste reduction strategy that is both efficient and cost-effective. For example, if a relatively large proportion of waste is kitchen waste then a composting program would make most sense. This may even be done on-site to reduce transportation cost. Alternatively, if a large proportion is recyclable then implementing a recycling program may be most effective. Or if a significant portion of waste is packaging then the government should work with businesses to reduce the packaging of their products at the production and retail stage. 

 

ESTATE TARGETED WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGIES

The lifestyle of residents determines the composition of their waste. For example, some households primarily cook at home, so produce a relatively high volume of kitchen waste. While other households eat alot of takeout, hence throw away alot of styrofoam take-out boxes. By understanding the lifestyle choices of residents of various estates, the government can implement (or incentivize the private sector to implement) the most effective waste reduction strategy for a particular estate. If for example, it can be ascertained that 70% of households in an estate cook the majority of meals at home then it may be most appropriate to implement a compost program in estate. In conclusion, the analysis of waste reveals the lifestyle choices of residents within an estate, this enables the government to customize the waste reduction strategy to best fit the lifestyle choices of residents in an estate such that it can have greatest impact. Just as enterprises use sophisticated data analysis to optimize programs to target customers based on lifestyle profiles, the waste reduction strategy can also do likewise. Using analytical tools that reveal lifestyle choice and their consequent impacts, enables the the development customized high-benefit/low cost strategies. 

 

ROLE OF GOVT: INFRASTRUCTURE

What is evident from the analysis of waste is that there is a significant portion of waste that is recyclable. This waste however is not recycled because there is no infrastructure/system in place to do so. The role of government, even in a free market system, is to provide infrastructure for socially valuable activities. The government is responsible for implementing infrastructure strategies to improve education, medical care, transportation, and so forth because these are deemed beneficial to the society. Waste reduction and environmental protection is also very beneficial to society and needs similar government effort and investment. Hence, the governments needs to put in place the infrastructure to support recycling. 

 

ROLE OF GOVT: POLICY AND REGULATION

Lastly the role of government is to create policies and regulation that incentivize private individuals and corporations to act in a socially responsible way. As such the government needs to implement a waste disposal fee as well as force companies to take back their waste. Landfill fees will incentivize all private actors to reduce overall waste. Specific strategies, such as a "bottle return fee" can also be highly effective in reducing waste. The government also needs to implement education campaigns to alert to public to this issues. 

 

By analyzing the waste of the households in an estate we are able to determine the optimal waste reduction strategies for HK and for various estates within HK. We can also see the need for HK government to play its legitimate role in implementing policies and putting in place infrastructure that encourages socially beneficial behaviors and choices. From this exercise we can clearly see the need for all actors, government, citizens and corporations to play a role in  any meaningful waste reduction program.