A lorry owner was fined $6,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (February 6) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) by refusing to provide information to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) regarding a suspected illegal waste disposal case.

     An EPD spokesman said that the department received a report from a member of the public about suspected illegal waste disposal on a piece of private land in Pui O, Lantau Island. EPD staff traced the lorry owner involved based on the information and photos provided and requested the owner to provide contact information on the driver. However, the lorry owner refused to provide such information to the EPD, thus contravening the WDO.

     According to Section 23B of the WDO, anyone who fails to provide information as required by the authority without reasonable excuse commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. The spokesman also urged the public to make a report to the EPD if they witness illegal waste disposal. EPD staff will conduct an investigation according to the information provided and initiate prosecution against relevant people should there be sufficient evidence.

     The spokesman reminded members of the transportation and logistics sectors not to dispose of waste illegally as they would be liable to prosecution by the EPD. Anyone who disposes of waste at public places or government land or without the permission of land owners violates the WDO. 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 the second or subsequent convictions. In addition, a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.

Ends/Monday, February 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00

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