The Environmental Protection Department will launch a spotter scheme to combat illegal dumping more effectively. It will run on a trial basis in three District Councils in its initial phase.

The department has invited members of the three district councils - Eastern, Sham Shui Po and Sha Tin - and relevant social organisations to join as pioneer spotters, helping to spot and prosecute flytippers.

Flytippers illegally dump waste somewhere other than an authorised landfill, in particular to save on disposal charges.

The reporting and prosecution procedure will be reviewed and fine-tuned. Detailed arrangements will be firmed up after the review concludes at the end of next year.

Since the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme went into effect in January 2006, the department has carried out more than 5,000 patrols and raids to tackle flytipping construction waste and collect evidence in prosecution cases.

Under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, the maximum penalty for construction-waste flytipping was a fine of $200,000 and six months in prison.

Training planned for volunteer spotters

Starting this month, the department will begin recruiting interested spotters to assist in reporting. It will organise training courses for them to help spotters understand the relevant legislative provisions and proper prosecution procedures, as well as details of their work.

Those who want to join the trial scheme can contact the department's regional offices, or call 2838 3111.