The 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 10th National
People's Congress (NPC) approved on Wednesday an amendment to the
law on solid waste pollution prevention.? The country is
confronting serious challenges caused by mounting quantities of
solid waste.
The Standing Committee considered the first draft of the
amendment at its 12th meeting, held from October 22 to 27.
"Encouraging the recycling of solid waste and clarifying the
responsibilities of polluters are the major principles of the
revision," said Mao Rubai, chairman of the Environment and
Resources Protection Committee of the NPC.
The law currently contains relatively clear clauses pertaining
to responsibility during the production process, but overlooks
after-sale and disposal issues. The amendment adds these clauses,
and also defines responsibilities in the event of reorganization or
change in status of the waste producer.
Moreover, officials who fail to provide adequate supervision
will be subject to penalties, including the possibility of criminal
charges.
The increase in imported solid waste, which has caused serious
pollution across the country, has drawn widespread concern from
citizens. The amendment will require classification of imported
waste and allows for criminal prosecution of those who violate the
law.
Clauses on disposal of dangerous waste, excessive packaging,
discarded electronic appliances and domestic animal excretion in
rural areas are also included. Other sections will help pollution
victims obtain evidence and cut the costs of lawsuits against
pollution producers.
(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2004)