Govt watchdog wants EPD to strengthen enforcement as illegal dumping prosecutions remain low

The Ombudsman, Jack Chan Jick-chi, has called on the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to enhance its enforcement measures against illegal construction waste dumping, citing an “extremely low” prosecution rate and a rising number of verified complaints.

The appeal followed the completion of an investigation into the issue and the performance of the “HoHoSkips” mobile application recycling service.

In a report containing 15 improvement recommendations, the watchdog acknowledged that the authorities had achieved certain results in tackling illegal dumping.

However, the office pointed out that the number of confirmed cases had increased from around 500-600 per year in recent years to nearly 800 last year, while the EPD’s prosecution rate remained unsatisfactory.

Between 2019 and 2024, the department launched an average of only 102 prosecutions per year related to illegal construction waste disposal. In 2019, the prosecution rate stood as low as 3.8 percent, indicating significant room for improvement in enforcement and evidence collection.

The Ombudsman urged the EPD to strengthen its operational effectiveness and optimize the use of resources to more effectively combat the problem.

Regarding the “HoHoSkips” recycling service—designed to facilitate construction waste disposal—the investigation revealed that 27.8 percent of applications in 2023 were cancelled due to insufficient capacity during peak hours.

This suggested a mismatch between service planning and user needs.

Although the EPD has already taken steps to improve the situation since the investigation began, the report recommended ongoing review of service uptake, more efficient resource allocation, and reduced average processing times.

The EPD responded positively to the recommendations, outlining a five-pronged approach to address illegal dumping.

Initiatives include regularly reviewing surveillance camera data and intelligence to optimize system deployment, conducting targeted enforcement and publicity campaigns in areas with frequent small-scale renovation and building maintenance works, and working with recycling service providers to enhance the “HoHoSkips” user experience.

(Marco Lam)