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Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (December 17) :

Question:

Recently, I have received many complaints from designated collectors of recyclables about their business being affected by people who are not designated collectors and who employ goods vehicles to collect discarded household articles which have values. Such good vehicles occupy the roadside loading/unloading bays for lengthy periods, emit a bad smell and cause environmental hygiene problems. Despite repeated complaints made to the Police by these collectors and me, the Police have not taken any specific actions to combat such activities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of relevant complaints received by the authorities concerned last year, the locations and number of people involved and, as well as the follow-up actions they have taken; and

(b) whether it will consider stepping up enforcement actions against activities of driving goods vehicles around to collect discarded articles; if it will, of the details of such actions; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) Between January and November 2003, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) received 18 complaints relating to nuisances caused by goods vehicles collecting discarded household articles. Of these complaints, 15 took place in Tuen Mun and one each in Southern District, Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po. Upon investigation, FEHD did not observe any environmental hygiene problems caused by the activities concerned.

(b) At present, the Government imposes no permit/licensing control on waste collection and recycling activities. However, the conduct of such activities should not violate the laws of Hong Kong. Should these activities involve criminal or traffic offences, the Police will take enforcement action, such as prosecution against illegal parking under the Road Traffic Ordinance. If the activities cause any environmental hygiene nuisances, FEHD will take enforcement action under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance.

Ends/Wednesday, December 17, 2003

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