What a waste: Eight intercepted containers of electronic waste are returned to Japan.

Eight intercepted containers of electronic waste, including computer monitors and television sets with cathode ray tubes, were returned to Japan on March 3, the Environmental Protection Department says.

The return was made with the agreement of the Ministry of Environment of Japan on the understanding that the cargo violated Hong Kong's Waste Disposal Ordinance.

Last month the department received intelligence on a dubious shipment from Japan. With the assistance of the ministry and the concerned shipping company, the department found that the shipment involved eight containers of e-waste.

The Customs & Excise Department detained the containers on February 12. About 131 tonnes of improperly packed and loosely stacked e-waste was found. Legal action will be taken.