Fanling recycling sites convicted for illegal collection and storage of large quantity of hazardous electronic waste (with photo)

     A recycling site, Kwong Kei Lee Hardware, located at Ma Liu Shui San Tsuen in Fanling illegally stored hazardous electronic waste (e-waste). It was convicted and fined $15,500 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 13) 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 conducted in May this year, EPD staff raided a recycling site operated by Kwong Kei Lee Hardware at Ma Liu Shui San Tsuen in Fanling. It was found that the site illegally stored waste flat panel displays (FPDs) and waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are classified as chemical waste. During the operation, a total of around 300 kilograms of PCBs and more than 450 pieces of FPDs were found stored in some hidden places at the recycling site, with a total export market value of about $100,000. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the responsible person of the recycling site in accordance with the Regulation.
 
     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, they will pollute the environment and pose a risk to the health of relevant trade practitioners and the general public. The EPD will continue to conduct blitz operations to combat illegal collection, storage, handling, import or export 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.