Circularity & Waste Theatre
The Role of Waste Management in Achieving Sustainability and Carbon Targets in Hong Kong
12 Sep (Fri) Day 2 : 14:50 – 15:40
Waste management is no longer just about disposal—it is now a critical component of Hong Kong’s strategy to meet its climate commitments and sustainability goals. With waste management accounting for a relatively small yet significant portion of the city’s carbon emissions, improving how we handle, reduce, and recover waste is essential for lowering our carbon footprint and building a more resilient urban system.
This session will explore how an integrated and forward-looking waste management strategy can support Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality roadmap. From reducing landfill reliance and enhancing recycling systems to investing in low-carbon technologies and infrastructure, the panel will examine practical solutions and policy levers that can drive measurable impact.
Collaboration will definitely play a role in scaling these efforts. This session will bring together voices from different sectors of the society to explore how partnerships can unlock innovation, build capacity, and ensure that waste reduction efforts contribute meaningfully to the city’s wider sustainability ambitions.
Learnings
- What role does waste management play in Hong Kong’s carbon reduction strategy?
- How can advances in recycling, resource recovery, and waste avoidance reduce emissions?
- What are the challenges across different waste streams, and how can they be addressed?
- How can stakeholders—from government to community—work together to accelerate progress?
Post-event Actions
- Evaluate current waste practices and identify areas for carbon reduction.
- Connect with stakeholders to explore zero-waste and low-emission initiatives.
Speakers
Moderator
Kitty Lee
Vice Chairlady
Hong Kong Waste Management Association
Kitty Lee
Hong Kong Waste Management Association
Vice Chairlady
Kitty is an Associate Director of SMEC, an SJ Company. She is also a Chartered Environmental Engineer, committee member of HKIE Environmental Division, a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager, Engineering EIA Professional and a Certified ESG Analyst with 16 years of work experience. She has been based in Hong Kong and has worked on projects in Hong Kong, China, Australia, India, Malaysia and the US. She is specialised in delivering projects related to waste, hydraulic, water, drainage, sewerage, environmental and sustainability. She has been involved in several iconic projects such as I∙Park 1, O∙Park 2, Pillar Point Sewage treatment Works, Tai Po Water Treatment Works Phase 2. Kitty has worked through the project lifecycle including feasibility studies, conceptual design, detailed design and construction. She also demonstrated strength as project manager and project coordinator for multi-disciplinary projects. Kitty has served as committee member of Hong Kong Waste Management Association for years, and she is currently the Vice Chairlady.
Dan Tsang
Professor, Director of Research Center on Decarbonization Technology
HKUST
Dan Tsang
HKUST
Professor, Director of Research Center on Decarbonization Technology
Prof. Dan Tsang is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Pao Yue-Kong Chair Professor in the State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization at Zhejiang University in China. A trailblazer in environmental engineering and sustainability, Prof. Tsang has over two decades of research and professional experience. With more than 650 publications in leading international journals, over 75,000 citations, and an h-index of 152, he has been recognized among Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists (lifetime) and Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers in both the engineering and the environment and ecology categories. He also holds fellowships from the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), and Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (FHKIE). In addition, with a strong commitment to advancing the engineering profession and contributing to public service, Prof. Tsang serves as the founding Editor-in-Chief of npj Materials Sustainability (Nature Portfolio), as well as Chairman of the Hong Kong Waste Management Association (2023–2025) and Waste Management Subcommittee Chair (2023 & 2024) of the Advisory Council on the Environment of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Supported by
Hong Kong Waste Management Association
Inaugurated on 14th September 1994 as a Registered Society, the Hong Kong Waste Management Association (HKWMA) has been the premier organization representing professionals in Hong Kong’s solid waste management and environmental industries. We take an active interest in all areas represented by our membership. Our members range from government officials, consultants, contractors and academia.
Our sustainability goals for 2025:
Working Towards Effective Waste Management for a Sustainable Society
