The implementation of the refuse levy will be postponed to 1 August, but the date of sale of designated garbage bags will not be delayed, and some merchants will start public sale on the 26th.
The Sing Tao reporter found that the local auction website Carousell has been put on sale claiming to be "environmental protection department designated garbage bags", only 7.5 yuan can buy 10 15-liter garbage bags, the price is 55% cheaper than the official only 17 yuan, the seller is indicating that the inventory is only 6 packs, if you buy all can be sent to the buyer downstairs.
In another post, the sales account involved posted a photo of a 20-litre designated garbage bag, saying that only 15-litre designated garbage bags are currently in stock, with 10 bags in one pack, priced at $10 per pack, and the minimum consumption is 20 pieces.
The EPD referred the case to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up investigation
A spokesman for the EPD replied that in early January, it had been found that some people had circulated on the Internet about the sale of products purporting to be prepaid designated garbage bags (designated bags) under municipal solid waste charging (RCW).
The garbage bag is suspected to be a mock designated bag provided to households for trial under the Refuse Charging Practice Scheme since 2018 to help them develop a new habit of disposing of garbage, which was completed at the end of last year. After the implementation of refuse charging, members of the public are not allowed to dispose of their garbage in simulated designated bags, otherwise they will be in breach of the relevant laws and regulations on refuse charging. The department has referred the findings to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up investigation.
The Department reminds that any person who sells designated bags or labels without authorisation is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $200,000. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate enforcement action as and when necessary.
The EPD has announced the retail outlets and online platforms authorised by the Director of Environmental Protection (EPD) on the dedicated webpage on refuse charging, allowing the public to purchase designated bags and labels at three authorised retailers including Circle K, foodpanda and affordable retail outlets starting from 26 January. The EPD did not arrange for other authorised retailers to sell the designated bags and labels in advance.
The EPD has also completed the trademark registration for the design of designated garbage bags and designated labels of different sizes to prevent possible counterfeit products and eliminate infringement. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale counterfeit goods commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 5 years. Members of the public can call the Customs' 24-hour hotline or report through the dedicated crime-reporting email account.