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A Government spokesman said the charging scheme would provide an economic incentive to waste producers to minimise waste generation. Some of the wastes could be recycled or reused, while suitable construction waste could be disposed of at public dumps for land reclamation purpose.
"Waste collectors and producers can factor the initial moderate charges into their operating accounts without significant impact. The arrangement will also enable the waste producers to put in place appropriate measures to minimise waste generation before full-cost recovery charges are introduced," he said.
He said the Government recognised the need for other measures to encourage waste reduction.
"In parallel, we have mounted a publicity campaign on using fewer plastic bags and other disposable items.
"We have also provided advice to industry on how to upgrade to cleaner production processes.
"We are also in the process of finding more suitable sites for use as public dumps. An intermediate sorting plant is being established at the Southeast New Territories landfill for sorting mixed construction wastes.
"Moreover, the Government has commissioned a comprehensive consultancy study of the existing waste generation, collection, recovery and recycling patterns in Hong Kong with a view to developing a strategy for reducing waste generation in the territory.
"To discourage fly-tipping, substantially higher penalty has been introduced under the Waste Disposal Ordinance to deter unauthorised waste disposal.
"The penalty is a maximum fine of $200,000 and 6-month imprisonment for the first offence, and $500,000 and 6-month imprisonment for repeated offence.
"The public may report to EPD Complaint Hotline 2838 3111 on any fly- tipping activities," said the spokesman.
End/Wednesday, May 10, 1995
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