Author Archives: hksar gov

     Yee Chung Logistic Company Limited and Hung Hing Electronic Commerce Limited illegally imported and stored waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are classified as chemical waste, respectively. They were convicted and fined a total of $71,500 at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 6) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.
      
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a blitz operation this April, EPD officers raided a recycling site at Shek Wu Wai in Yuen Long which illegally stored waste PCBs. The waste PCBs, which are classified as chemical waste, were placed at the open space of the recycling site with a total weight of about 6 tonnes and an estimated total export value of $600,000. Following the clues obtained from the investigation, EPD found that the importer concerned illegally imported the chemical waste from Korea into Hong Kong without a permit. The importer also transported the chemical waste without a waste collector licence. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the importer, Yee Chung Logistic Company Limited, and the recycler, Hung Hing Electronic Commerce Limited, in accordance with the WDO and the Regulation after evidence gathering.
      
     The spokesman stressed that dismantled PCBs, LCD monitors and cathode ray tubes are hazardous e-waste, containing heavy metals and other toxic substances. They are classified as chemical waste and must be properly handled. Otherwise, it will pollute the environment and pose a risk to the health of relevant trade practitioners and the general public. The EPD will continue to combat illegal collection, storage, handling or import of hazardous e-waste. 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.

    

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Guangzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (HRSSGZ) today (November 6) signed a memorandum of co-operation to enhance collaboration in the dev… read more

     â€‹Two annual marine pollution response joint exercises, code-named Oilex 2018 and the Maritime Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Exercise 2018, were conducted by various government departments this morning (November … read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in a female ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokes… read more

     â€‹A recycler and a construction worker illegally disposed of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste and construction waste on Chun Pin Street and at the roadside of Castle Peak Road in Kwai Chung. They were fined a total of $9,500 by Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 6) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that that during a blitz operation in mid-April this year, a staff member of a recycling company was caught by the EPD while depositing a stack of waste wooden pallets on the pavement of Chun Pin Street. EPD officers immediately intercepted him and prosecuted the manager of the recycling company.

     Separately, the EPD received a report from a member of public in late April this year that a large quantity of construction waste was deposited on the pavement of Castle Peak Road in Kwai Chung (near Po Kai Mansion). After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the construction waste came from the construction site of a nearby building. After evidence gathering, the EPD prosecuted the construction worker responsible.

     The EPD spokesperson reminded those from the recycling, renovation and construction sectors that C&I waste as well as demolished construction waste should be delivered to the Government’s waste treatment facilities as required by the law. It is unethical and unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside. Under the WDO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment.