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The Environment
Import and Export of Waste
Import and export of waste are regulated by a permit system under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO). The controls are in line with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, which adopts a prior informed consent procedure for shipments of controlled waste. The WDO incorporates the Basel Ban, which prohibits the export of hazardous waste from developed countries to developing countries.
The EPD participates in international programmes deterring illegal waste shipments. It has established intelligence networks with many overseas control authorities and taken part in joint enforcement exercises. Since 2000, the mainland of China and the HKSAR have collaborated under a formal agreement to control movements of hazardous waste between the two areas. Joint enforcement action is taken regularly by the HKSAR and the Mainland control authorities. to curb waste smuggling activities across the border. In 2013, the EPD and the Hong Kong Customs jointly stepped up the inspections of imported recyclables to complement the Green Fence operation by Mainland authorities.
Marine Refuse
The Marine Department deploys a fleet of about 70 contractors' vessels to collect marine refuse and refuse from vessels. In 2013, 10,900 tonnes of marine refuse and 4,350 tonnes of refuse from vessels were collected. In addition to law enforcement, the government also uses publicity and education to tackle the marine refuse problem.
In November 2012, the government set up an inter-departmental working group on Clean Shorelines to identify the sources of marine refuse, review the existing measures, formulate strategic policies to prevent and reduce marine refuse, and promote public awareness of the need to keep Hong Kong's shorelines clean. The EPD commenced a Marine Refuse Study in March of the sources, fates, distribution and movement of marine refuse in Hong Kong waters to help the working group's deliberations. The working group's Clean Shorelines Campaign in May sought to encourage the public to use reusable items, to reduce the use of disposable items, and to dispose of rubbish properly or to recycle it.
Marine Dumping
The EPD maintains strict control over marine dumping operations via a permit system under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance. These operations follow the requirements of the London Convention and the 1996 Protocol to which China is a Contracting Party. All marine dumping vessels operating under permits issued by the EPD have to be equipped with an automatic self- monitoring device that transmits real-time data to the EPD Control Centre to allow the authority to trace any illegal dumping. EPD inspectors conduct frequent patrols of Hong Kong waters to prevent illegal dumping.
Monitoring and Investigation
Assessing the progress made in achieving policy goals is one of the EPD's key activities. The results gained from routine monitoring and special investigations form the basis for much of the department's strategic planning, provision of facilities and statutory controls. The
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