Since the implementation of the construction waste disposal charging scheme on January 20, there have been 508 complaints on construction waste flytipping, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

Dr Liao today told lawmakers that 483 of the cases were related to construction waste flytipping near buildings or kerbside in urban areas.

In 178 cases, the construction waste had been removed before the Environmental Protection Department staff arrived for inspection.

5 prosecutions initiated

To deter these illegal acts, the department also conducts regular inspections or ambush operations. From January 20 to May 31, a total of 69 construction waste flytipping were detected during such operations.

During the same period, the Government initiated five prosecutions and issued four fixed-penalty notices as a result of enforcement actions.

"The enforcement officers could only take prosecution action if they could collect sufficient evidence at the scene, including witnessing and proving the suspect has disposed of the waste at a public place or at a private place without authorisation from the owner.

"The number of cases detected is therefore much higher than the number of prosecution cases or fixed-penalty notices issued," Dr Liao explained.