Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department will launch a spotter scheme to combat illegal dumping more effectively and encourage the public to report flytipping of construction waste.

Flytipping refers to the act of illegally dumping waste somewhere other than an authorized landfill. The trial scheme will run on a trial basis in areas under the purview of three District Councils in its initial phase. An EPD spokesman says that with the support and participation of the District Councils and area committees, the flytipping spotter scheme could effectively tackle the environmental hygiene and nuisance problems caused by flytipping of construction waste.

Since the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme took effect from January 2006, EPD has carried out more than 5,000 patrols and raids to tackle flytipping of construction waste as well as collect evidence in prosecution cases. The spokesman emphasized that according to the Waste Disposal Ordinance, the maximum penalty for flytipping of construction waste is a fine of HK$200,000 and a six month jail sentence.

Starting this month, EPD will recruit in phases interested spotters to assist in reporting flytipping of construction waste. Training courses will also be organized to facilitate spotters to comprehend the relevant legislative provisions and proper prosecution procedures, as well as details of their work. EPD will also launch a series of educational and publicity programs, including a designated website and a poster, to raise public awareness of the scheme.