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The Government today (May 20) gazetted the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance 2006 (Commencement) Notice 2011 alongside the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Application of Section 16) Notice 2011. Unless subject to negative vetting in the Legislative Council, the Clinical Waste Control Scheme will come into operation on August 1, 2011.
The Control Scheme tightens control on handling, collection, transportation and disposal of clinical waste, which is essential in safeguarding public health and minimising pollution risk. Charges will also be imposed on the disposal of clinical waste at the designated treatment facility.
"Starting from August 1, clinical waste producers must arrange licensed waste collectors to collect and transport their clinical waste to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre for proper disposal. The charge for disposing of one kilogramme of clinical waste at the Treatment Centre is around $2.7," a spokesman of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said.
The details of regulatory requirements of the Control Scheme and the disposal charge for clinical waste are set out in the Waste Disposal (Clinical Waste) (General) Regulation and the Waste Disposal (Charge for Disposal of Clinical Waste) Regulation.
"It will be an offence for improper disposal of clinical waste. Offenders could face a maximum fine of $200,000," the spokesman added.
Information on the Clinical Waste Control Scheme is available at the EPD's website at www.epd.gov.hk/epd/clinicalwaste/ .
Enquiries can be made to the EPD's hotline at 2835 1055.
Ends/Friday, May 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:31
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