Three works contractors of Redhill Peninsula and their drivers, who illegally disposed of construction waste at Tai Tam Road in Southern District, were convicted by Eastern Magistrates' Courts on May 14, May 21 and today (June 4) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO). They were fined a total of $22,500.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received reports from members of the public that construction waste was illegally deposited in the vicinity of Redhill Peninsula continuously. The EPD stepped up surveillance to monitor the district in last October and November and intercepted three dump trucks, from which construction waste had been deposited at a public lay-by area on Tai Tam Road. Upon investigation and evidence collection, it was confirmed that the construction waste originated from multiple works contractors of Redhill Peninsula. The offenders involved were subsequently prosecuted in accordance with the WDO.
In addition, two other works contractors of Redhill Peninsula were also convicted for illegal disposal of construction waste at Pak Pat Shan Road in January and April this year. The EPD proactively followed up with the person-in-charge of Redhill Peninsula's property management company and the chairperson of the incorporated owners of the estate. The department also urged the property management company to strengthen its management of renovation contractors, which included requiring the contractors to provide disposal records of construction waste of each truck, so as to ensure the construction waste generated from Redhill Peninsula would not be illegally disposed of.
An EPD spokesman reminded property owners, owners' corporations and property management companies that they have the responsibility to urge their renovation contractors to handle construction waste properly in accordance with the law, in order to avoid illegal disposal of the waste either on roads or in public places. Under the WDO, it is an offence to dispose of waste in a public place or on government land. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
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