Control on Import and Export of Waste

Enforcement Control

Movement of Waste

The implementation of an effective enforcement control programme is essential in preventing and deterring illegal waste trafficking. EPD monitors closely the waste import and export activities based upon the pattern in movements of waste and the modus operandi of past illegal shipments.

In general, waste is shipped from developed countries such as the USA, Japan, and the Netherlands through Hong Kong into other regions of the Southern China. In this regard, EPD's control is directed towards waste movements from these countries to Hong Kong.

Of those illegal shipments originated from overseas countries and intercepted in Hong Kong in the past few years, the wastes involved are mainly contaminated (i.e. wastes that have been mixed with hazardous substances) or non-recyclable. These shipments were often declared as non-hazardous scraps (e.g. 'metal scraps' and 'plastic scraps') and imported by small trading firms in Hong Kong with no waste recycling facility. These shipments are generally exported by small agents, rather than the original waste generators, in overseas countries. Prior to their arrival in Hong Kong, some of these shipments changed hands several times. In certain cases, the overseas authorities encountered difficulties in ascertaining the place of origin of the shipments and the original exporter of the waste.

Highly Contaminated Plastic Waste Intercepted in Hong Kong.