HK intercepts 131 tons of e-waste from Japan

Source: Xinhuanet | 03-06-2007 09:11

HONG KONG, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong customs intercepted 131 tones of electronic waste (e-waste) and returned them to Japan last Saturday, said the local authority on Monday.

File Photo

The waste, mainly used computer monitors and television sets, were returned to Japan on the basis of understanding with the Ministry of Environment of Japan that the waste import in question was in violation of the Waste Disposal Ordinance(WDO) in Hong Kong, said the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of Hong Kong.

Eight containers packed with e-waste were intercepted on Feb. 12 and then returned to Japan with the assistance of the Japan's relative departments.

Hong Kong environmental department said import or export of hazardous e-waste without a valid permit issued by the EPD is an offense under the WDO. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of 200,000 HK dollars and six months' imprisonment for the first offense.

Editor:Du Xiaodan