A company and two persons involved in three cases of illegal waste disposal in Eastern District, Southern District and Tuen Mun were convicted and fined a total of $17,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts and Fanling Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 17) and today (June 18) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
From November last year to February this year, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) successfully traced offenders in the three cases of illegal disposal of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste, as well as construction waste, in public places on Yuet Yuen Street in North Point, Yip Hing Street in Wong Chuk Hang and San Shek Wan Road in Tuen Mun, based on intelligence gathered through photos from members of the public and surveillance camera systems installed by the EPD, including drivers of goods vehicles and workers. The waste disposed of included construction waste and waste pallets. After gathering evidence, the EPD prosecuted the persons and the employer involved under the WDO.
A spokesman for the EPD reminded all members of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction sites, workers and drivers as well as owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver construction waste and C&I waste to government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places or on the roadside. Under the WDO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. According to the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, it is an offense to dispose of waste on the streets or in public places from vehicles, including goods vehicles, private cars and motorcycles. The registered owners concerned may be prosecuted. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment.
The spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.
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