************************************************************
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (May 25) reminded private refuse collection vehicle (RCV) owners that the application period for the subsidy scheme for retrofitting RCVs will close on September 30. Owners should submit their applications and complete retrofitting works as soon as possible so as to enhance the environmental performance of the RCVs and meet the requirement in the amendment regulation, which will take effect next year.
A spokesman for the EPD said, "The department has launched a one-off subsidy scheme to help private RCV owners to install a metal tailgate cover and a waste water sump tank on RCVs with a view to addressing environmental hygiene and odour problems caused by RCVs without such devices.
"The application period for the subsidy scheme will end on September 30. To avoid a large number of applications being submitted near the application closing date such that the retrofitting workshops may not be able to complete the works on schedule, the EPD urges RCV owners to submit their applications as soon as possible."
The Waste Disposal (Designated Waste Disposal Facility) (Amendment) Regulation 2013 is planned to take effect on April 1, 2015. After the commencement of the amendment regulation, all RCVs driven to landfills or refuse transfer stations must be equipped with a metal tailgate cover and waste water sump tank of suitable construction and in good working condition. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $100,000.
Details of the subsidy scheme and the application form have been uploaded to the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/rcv_subsidy (Chinese version only).
For further information about the subsidy scheme, please call the EPD at 2872 1847.
Ends/Sunday, May 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
