What Changed
- EPD introduced monitoring guidelines for service management in April 2026, adopted refined pre-tender estimates in July 2026, and initiated trial AI application for procurement checking.
- TD established a dedicated Task Force to approve pier commercial activities, boosting non-farebox revenue including converting Wan Chai Ferry Pier premises for retail and restaurants.
- TD enhanced oversight of kaito ferry operations by mandating identification flags/plates, QR code information posters, vessel licence checks, and patrols against illegal operations.
On October 21, 2026, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, presented the Government Minute (GM) to the Legislative Council in response to Reports No. 85 and No. 86 of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The GM details specific responses and enhanced measures accepted by government bureaux and departments following recommendations from the Audit Commission and the PAC, specifically focusing on food waste management and ferry service oversight.
For food waste management, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) outlined operational and procurement updates. The daily average of collected food waste rose by approximately 14 per cent from around 350 tonnes in 2025 to around 400 tonnes in the first half of 2026. In April 2026, the EPD established internal monitoring guidelines covering site inspection criteria, non-compliance assessments, and follow-up rules for late report submissions. The EPD also began trialling artificial intelligence tools to cross-check tender documents for compliance with government procurement guidelines. Refined methods for pre-tender estimates and contract assessment criteria were implemented in food waste collection service contracts tendered in July 2026. Additionally, the EPD aims to achieve a "one bin per block" target for public rental housing estates this year and has strategically set up about 260 public food waste recycling points across Hong Kong.
Regarding maritime transit, the Transport Department (TD) and the Transport and Logistics Bureau implemented measures to enhance ferry service regulation and financial viability. The TD established a dedicated Task Force to coordinate cross-departmental approvals for commercial activities and pier enhancements to increase non-farebox revenue. Actions include converting space at Wan Chai Ferry Pier into retail and restaurant outlets and adopting flexible rental arrangements. To address passenger safety and unlicensed operations, the TD instructed kaito ferry operators to display official plates and flags, posted publicity posters with QR codes at major public piers, strengthened vessel licence verification, and enhanced patrols against illegal kaito operations.
This update affects waste management service contractors, public and private housing management, commercial property operators, and franchised, licensed, and kaito ferry operators in Hong Kong SAR.
Who May Be Affected
Food waste recycling contractors, public and private estate managers, commercial property tenants at piers, and operators of franchised, licensed, and kaito ferry services in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Relevant to waste management companies, ferry operators, commercial developers, and legal professionals advising clients on Hong Kong SAR municipal contracts and transport regulation compliance.
What to check next
- Examine the full Government Minute laid before the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026.
- Check Environmental Protection Department procurement notices for updated tender assessment rules and guidelines.
- Review Transport Department operational returns and inspection protocols for ferry service operators.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.