Two companies were convicted and fined a total of $3,000 at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (September 3) for contravening the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation as their vehicles were involved in cases of illegal disposal of waste. In addition to the above convictions, 28 other cases of the same kind are scheduled for hearings in Magistrates' Courts in different districts.

     In January 2019, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) traced two cases of illegal disposal of waste on Lok Shan Road, To Kwa Wan, based on video recorded by the department's surveillance camera systems. After collecting evidence, the EPD issued summonses to the registered companies of the two goods vehicles involved in accordance with the law.

     An EPD spokesman reminded all practitioners of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction sites, workers and drivers as well as owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver construction waste to the government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside. According to the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, it is an offence to dispose of waste on the streets or in public places from vehicles, including goods vehicles, private cars and motorcycles. The registered owners concerned may be prosecuted. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction.

     The EPD urges members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.

Ends/Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:31

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