Surveillance camera system used in successful prosecutions against illegal disposal of renovation waste in Tai Kok Tsui and Kowloon Bay
A renovation works company and a driver illegally disposed of renovation waste, with a total volume of about 3.5 cubic metres, at the roadside of Bedford Road in Tai Kok Tsui and Tai Yip Street in Kowloon Bay this April and May respectively. They were fined a total of $6,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (October 4) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that Tai Kok Tsui and Kowloon Bay are densely populated commercial and industrial areas, and some members of the logistics industry illegally disposed of waste during night-time when traffic and pedestrian flows were low. To step up efforts to combat illegal waste disposal, round-the-clock video surveillance cameras were installed at two fly-tipping black spots at Tai Yip Street and Bedford Road to enhance the monitoring and deterrence effect on illegal waste disposal, and to facilitate evidence collection and prosecution. In addition, banners are being displayed at these black spots to remind members of the public that fly-tipping is an offence and offenders will be prosecuted.
The spokesman called on the commercial and industrial sector as well as the transportation sector, especially members from the logistics and construction industries, to dispose of waste in accordance with relevant laws. The logistics, commercial and industrial sectors may contact recyclers to arrange collection for those recyclable commercial and industrial waste, while non-recyclable waste should be disposed of at refuse transfer stations or landfills for proper treatment.
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Under the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to dispose of waste in public places, on government land or without the permission of land owners. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.