The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) intercepted an unlicensed collector who illegally collected spent lubricating oil at two garages on Kam Ping Street in North Point and Warren Street in Tai Hang. This unlicensed collector had repeatedly violated the law and was previously convicted four times by the EPD for illegal collection of chemical waste. The collector himself and the owners of Hyp Sing Motor Service Limited and Hung Lee Motors Company Limited were convicted at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (October 22) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation. They were fined a total of $18,000.
　
During an enforcement operation in April this year, the EPD intercepted a light goods vehicle collecting a total of 400 litres of spent lubricating oil, which is classified as chemical waste, from two garages at Kam Ping Street in North Point and Warren Street in Tai Hang. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the unlicensed collector and owners of the two vehicle maintenance workshops under the WDO and the Regulation.
The EPD spokesman explained that spent lubricating oil generated by vehicle maintenance workshops is classified as chemical waste, which contains various toxic chemicals. Improper handling of such waste will cause the spent lubricating oil to leak into nearby watercourses or soil, causing harm to the environment and public health.
The spokesman reminded all garage operators and workers engaged in vehicle repairing businesses that they should register as chemical waste producers with the EPD in accordance with the Regulation. Chemical waste must be properly packaged, labelled and stored, and has to be collected by licensed chemical waste collectors for delivery to licensed chemical waste disposal facilities for treatment. For replacement of lubricating oil or batteries, vehicle owners should engage the services of vehicle repair garages or companies registered with the EPD. Anyone engaged in illegal collection, storage and disposal of chemical waste will be prosecuted. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.
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