A member of the public made a report on illegal disposal of construction waste from a vehicle with a video produced by a dashcam. The vehicle owner involved was convicted and fined $6,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (June 30) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a report with a video produced by a dashcam from a member of the public in January about waste being illegally disposed of on Tsing Wun Road, Tuen Mun. The video clearly showed the whole process of the non-compliant activity and the relevant vehicle registration number, which helped the EPD successfully trace the vehicle owner involved. The renovation waste disposed of not only created obstructions in a passage, but also adversely affected environmental hygiene. After collecting evidence, the EPD prosecuted the goods vehicle owner involved in accordance with the WDO. The EPD commended members of the public for taking up their civic responsibility and assisting the Government in combating illegal disposal of waste.
A spokesman for the EPD said that the department has installed round-the-clock surveillance camera systems at various construction waste fly-tipping black spots across Hong Kong. In addition, the upgrading and popularity of equipment, including personal mobile phones and various types of dashcams, also help members of the public to come forward and report illegal disposal of waste. This situation is conducive to achieving the result of community-wide surveillance with the message of "Stop illegal dumping. Someone is watching". The spokesman reminded all practitioners of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors that they must properly deliver commercial and industrial waste as well as construction waste to the government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside. Under the WDO, offenders may be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on subsequent conviction.
The spokesman urged members of the public to make reports with videos or photos to the EPD through the department's hotline (Tel: 2838 3111) or by email (enquiry@epd.gov.hk) if they witness any illegal disposal of waste with a view to working together to combat these illegal activities.
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