Environment minister Tse Chin-wan on Saturday said it will be easier for the public to understand the impending pay-as-you-throw scheme, now that designated rubbish bags are available.

The minister also dismissed claims that the government-approved bags, priced at between HK$0.30 and HK$11 apiece depending on the size, were too fragile.

"Of course, if you put something really heavy into the bag or stab it, you'll break it. But on the whole, it's a normal garbage bag, and there's nothing wrong with it... When people see that, they'll understand it serves the purpose of a rubbish bag and they'll be at ease," he told a Commercial Radio programme.

"Seeing [one thing] is very different from hearing about it, because there could be a lot of misconceptions and a lack of understanding [just by hearing], resulting in some misinformation."

It will not be mandatory to use the designated trash bags until August 1, after the government again postponed implementing the waste charging scheme for the public to get used to the arrangements.

There will also be a six-month grace period, during which people caught throwing away rubbish in anything other than a designated bag will get a verbal warning, rather than a fine.

The minister also said the administration is looking into ways to boost the recycling of food waste, which makes up a third of the city's garbage produced by households.

"It is a process to change and establish a culture and people's habit. It doesn't mean the entire Hong Kong will immediately transform on August 1, where everyone will separate food waste and recyclables," Tse said.

"Facilities will gradually increase over time, instead of having everything ready all at once to be used by seven million people."