In documents submitted to the Legco, the government said it sees the need to segregate the Environment Branch of the bureau and the Environmental Protection Department as they have taken on board new and more complex duties and responsibilities over the past decade.

At present, the Environment Branch of the bureau and the Environmental Protection Department are merged as one organization.

The proposal also includes the creation of seven directorate posts, and the revision and redistribution of duties and responsibilities among them.

Speaking at the Legco meeting, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan believed that the reorganization would allow the bureau to strengthen climate change actions, waste reduction, resources recycling and various environment-related tasks, including next year’s implementation of the municipal solid waste charging scheme.