The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau has overall policy responsibility for the environment, among other matters. It receives professional support from several government departments and advice from the Advisory Council on the Environment, which comprises 15 members appointed by the Chief Executive, including members from environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business groups, academic institutions and professional institutions.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) executes environmental policies and programmes, vets environmental planning and assessment findings, enforces and reviews environmental laws, plans and develops facilities for liquid and solid waste disposal and promotes environmental management, audit and reporting. The EPD also promotes environmental awareness in the community.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is the main agency for nature and wildlife conservation. It manages country parks, special areas, marine parks and a marine reserve, which are designated by the Chief Executive in Council for nature conservation, recreation and education purposes. The department also identifies and protects ecologically important areas by other means, enforces the law to protect wildlife and plants, and examines ecological aspects of environmental impact assessment reports and planning studies. It promotes public awareness of nature conservation.

The Planning Department plans future land use (including conservation zonings) and controls developments throughout Hong Kong. The Drainage Services Department designs, builds, operates and maintains sewerage and sewage treatment facilities. The Civil Engineering and Development Department provides outlets for the reuse of inert construction and demolition material. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department promotes energy efficiency and conservation. The Marine Department clears floating refuse and oil in the sea and enforces the law on oil pollution.

Government spending on the environment in 2004-05 was budgeted at $6.09 billion, or about 2.13 per cent of total public expenditure.