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Reply:
Mr President.
There are still thirteen licensed collectors of waste lubricating oil and a privately-run plant in Yuen Long which specialises in the recycling of such oil.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Used engine oil or waste lubricating oil, except those generated from domestic use, is classified as chemical waste which is subject to control under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation. The Local Control Offices of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) are responsible for monitoring and controlling the storage and disposal of chemical waste in the territory. Anyone prosecuted and convicted under the Regulation for improper disposal of chemical-waste is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
As stated in the 1989 White Paper "Pollution in Hong Kong - A Time to Act", it is government policy to ensure the provision, by either the private or the public sectors, of facilities for the cost effective and environmentally satisfactory disposal of all wastes. It is also government policy to encourage local waste recovery and recycling activities. There are, as noted above, already a number of local collectors and a plant in Yuen Long which collect and recycle waste lubricating oil. Waste lubricating oil that is suitable for recycling and collected by the Tsing Yi Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) will also be sent to the Yuen Long plant for recycling. We also liaise with vehicle and drivers' associations to increase public awareness of the importance of proper disposal of waste lubricating oil. Drivers and vehicle owners are encouraged to have their oil changed at garages where the waste oil will be properly disposed of.
The above measures, and increased public awareness of the importance of proper disposal of waste lubricating oil through education and publicity, would help achieve environmentally acceptable disposal of engine oil. Any improper disposal is liable to prosecution.
End