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Three people fined $45,000 for illegal collection, storage and trading of waste lead-acid batteries
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     Three people involved in the illegal collection, storage and trading of waste lead-acid batteries were fined a total of $45,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (September 27) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.
 
     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that its officers intercepted a truck transporting waste lead-acid batteries in Tuen Mun on February 26 this year, leading to the seizure of over 9 000 waste lead-acid batteries at an open yard in Yuen Long. The EPD initiated prosecutions against those involved for violating the Waste Disposal Ordinance and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation. They included the transport company, the truck driver and the truck porter, the company illegally collecting waste lead-acid batteries at the yard, the yard manager and the yard tenant.
 
     The person responsible for the transport company, the driver and the truck porter pleaded guilty and were each fined $15,000. However, the owner of the company illegally collecting waste lead-acid batteries at the yard, the yard manager and the tenant decided not to enter a plea today. The Magistrates' Courts will hear the case again in early November.
 
     The spokesman said, "The EPD has all along been taking stringent action against the illegal collection, storage, trading and import and export of waste lead-acid batteries. The EPD has also stepped up blitz operations against such illegal activities to protect the environment. The EPD will strictly enforce the law and initiate prosecution against those involved if there is sufficient evidence." 
 
     The spokesman reminded those engaged in the businesses of vehicle repair, recycling, data centre operation, and installation and maintenance of tele-communication systems, that waste lead-acid batteries contain sulphuric acid and lead. They are classified as chemical waste and must be handled properly in accordance with legal requirements to avoid causing harm to the environment and public health.
 
     According to the Waste Disposal Ordinance and Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation, operators of the above trades which produce chemical waste, including waste lead-acid batteries, waste engine oil and hazardous electronic wastes, must register with the EPD. Chemical waste must be properly packed, labelled and stored as stipulated by the law, and must be handled by licensed chemical waste collectors for delivery to the EPD's licensed chemical waste treatment facilities for disposal. It is an offence for anyone to collect, store, handle and import or export chemical waste in a manner not in accordance with the legal requirements. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
 
Ends/Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:12
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