Two successful prosecutions by EPD against illegal disposal of waste spotted in blitz operations
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An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said in the first case which occurred in July last year, the involved truck driver illegally disposed of construction waste at Wing Lai Road near Tseung Kwan O Upper Village in Tseung Kwan O. For another case which occurred in August last year, a staff member of the involved logistics company disposed of waste wooden pallets, waste paper and waste electronic components outside the Wang Kee Street Refuse Collection Point in Kowloon Bay. Both offenders were caught red-handed by EPD staff during blitz operations and subsequently prosecuted for violating the WDO.
Under the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to dispose of waste at public places. 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.
The spokesman reminded people handling waste that they should dispose of waste properly in accordance with the law, waste disposal at public places is an offence liable to prosecution. Reusable materials or waste with recycling value should be collected by recyclers, while non-recyclable waste should be delivered to appropriate waste management facilities, such as designated waste transfer stations, public fill reception facilities or landfills, for disposal.
Ends/Thursday, February 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:46
Issued at HKT 19:46
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