EPD makes four successful prosecutions against illegal waste disposal

     â€‹The owner of a renovation works contractor, two drivers and a worker, who illegally dumped commercial and industrial waste (C&I waste) and construction waste in Sai Kung, Southern District and Yuen Long, were fined a total of $17,500 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on July 12, Eastern Magistrates' Courts on July 16 and Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 17) respectively for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is committed to combating illegal waste disposal. Through blitz operations and following up on the car plate number concerned and other information reported by members of the public, the EPD officers caught the offenders red-handed or successfully traced the people involved in four fly-tipping cases that occurred at Hang Hau Wing Lung Road in Sai Kung, Chung Hom Kok Road in Southern District, and Tai Shu Ha Road West and Pat Heung Road in Yuen Long. The illegally discarded waste, which involved renovation waste, unwanted food ingredients, packaging waste and other C&I waste, obstructed walkways and affected environmental hygiene. The EPD subsequently prosecuted all persons involved under the WDO after evidence gathering.

     An EPD spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness illegal dumping of waste by vehicles. They can provide relevant information such as videos and photos of the vehicle involved to the EPD via the department's hotline 2838 3111 to help combat illegal activities. The spokesman reminded those involved in building renovation, construction works and the transportation sector that they should dispose of construction waste properly in accordance with the law. Reusable materials or waste with a recycling value should be collected by recyclers, while non-recyclable waste should be delivered to appropriate waste management facilities, such as public fill banks or landfills, for proper treatment or disposal. Under the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to dispose of waste in public places. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.