The purpose of this guide is to describe the problems of open burning and explain the provisions for its control under the Air Pollution Control (Open Burning) Regulation. Copies of the Regulation are on sale at the Publications Sales Section of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the online Government Bookstore at http://www.gov.hk/en/apps/isdbookstore.htm. Also, they can be found on the website of the Bilingual Laws Information at http://www.legislation.gov.hk. Enquiries concerning the Regulation may be made to the Regional Offices and their addresses are given in the Annex.
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What is Open Burning?
Open burning means burning of any materials in the open air without any enclosure nor any chimney to direct the smoke away so generated. For example, recovering metal from used electric wires or tyres, and disposal of wastes in construction sites and countryside by open burning are the common malpractice.
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How does it affect us?
Open burning of wastes generates excessive emissions of pollutants such as dense and odorous smoke, dust, and toxic fumes. These emissions often cause serious nuisances and may threaten the health of the people in the neighbourhood.
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How do we deal with the problem?
The Air Pollution Control (Open Burning) Regulation is introduced to prohibit open burning of construction waste, tyres, and open burning for the salvage of metal. Under very special circumstances where open burning is absolutely necessary to be carried out, the burning operation will be subjected to the control of a permit. Some open burning activities not causing any substantial emissions are exempted from the control of the Regulation.
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May I still barbecue in designated barbecue sites?
Yes, you may still enjoy barbecue. The following open burning activities are exempted from the control of the Regulation:
burning of incense, candle sticks, joss paper for ritual purposes
fires for cooking of food such as barbecue for amenity purposes
fires set for fire testing, training and education by any Government fire fighting force or agency
agricultural burning of materials grown on site, solely for weeding, land disinfection, pest control, or burning to make firebreaks in the countryside
open burning required for emergency situations to ensure public safety
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What types of open burning activities are prohibited?
Open burning activities for the following purposes are prohibited:
the disposal of construction waste
the clearance of a site in preparation for construction work
the disposal of tyres
the salvage of metal
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Under what circumstances can I obtain a permit?
The purpose of the Regulation is to stop all open burning. Therefore, a permit will be granted only if the Authority is fully satisfied that there is no viable alternative to achieve the purpose. If such a case arises, you may obtain the application form and submit it to any of our Regional Offices as listed in the Annex. A fee of $2,250 will be charged for each application.
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What are the penalties?
You will be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 on first conviction, plus $500 for every 15 minutes for which the offence continues. For subsequent conviction, you will be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and 3-month imprisonment, plus $500 for every 15 minutes for which the offence continues.
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How can I help protect the environment?
As a member of society, you can help protect the environment by refraining from carrying out prohibited open burning activities, and to advise your staff and others to abide by the regulation. Any waste should be properly disposed of at landfills or recycled at a recycling plant with emission control equipment. If you notice any open burning activities, please report the incident to our Regional Offices (see Annex) immediately so that our enforcement staff can take necessary legal action under the Regulation to stop further burning.
Annex
Regional Offices
Districts / Address
Telephone No./ Facsimile No.
EPD Territorial Control Office
28/F Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Tel:2835 1018 Fax:2838 2155
Regional Office (East)
(Sai Kung, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon City & Yau Tsim Mong)
5/F Nan Fung Commercial Centre, 19 Lam Lok Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon.
Tel:2755 5518 Fax:2756 8588
Regional Office (South)
(Hong Kong Island & Islands)
2/F Chinachem Exchange Square, 1 Hoi Wan Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
Tel:2516 1718 Fax:2960 1760
Regional Office (West)
(Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing & Sham Shui Po)
8/F Tsuen Wan Government Offices, 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories.
Tel:2417 6116 Fax:2411 3073
Regional Office (North)
(Yuen Long, Shatin, Tai Po & North)
10/F Shatin Government Offices, No.1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Shatin, New Territories.