Yee Chung Logistic Company Limited and Hung Hing Electronic Commerce Limited illegally imported and stored waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are classified as chemical waste, respectively. They were convicted and fined a total of $71,500 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 6) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.
      
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a blitz operation this April, EPD officers raided a recycling site at Shek Wu Wai in Yuen Long which illegally stored waste PCBs. The waste PCBs, which are classified as chemical waste, were placed at the open space of the recycling site with a total weight of about 6 tonnes and an estimated total export value of $600,000. Following the clues obtained from the investigation, EPD found that the importer concerned illegally imported the chemical waste from Korea into Hong Kong without a permit. The importer also transported the chemical waste without a waste collector licence. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the importer, Yee Chung Logistic Company Limited, and the recycler, Hung Hing Electronic Commerce Limited, in accordance with the WDO and the Regulation after evidence gathering.
      
     The spokesman stressed that dismantled PCBs, LCD monitors and cathode ray tubes are hazardous e-waste, containing heavy metals and other toxic substances. They are classified as chemical waste and must be properly handled. Otherwise, it will pollute the environment and pose a risk to the health of relevant trade practitioners and the general public. The EPD will continue to combat illegal collection, storage, handling or import of hazardous e-waste. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.

Ends/Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:40

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