D. Throwing solid matter, mud, or waste into public sewers and drains

D. Throwing solid matter, mud, or waste into public sewers and drains

Under section 6(a) of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), any person who places or throws any solid matter, mud or waste into a public sewer, drain or other drainage work, or onto any grate connected with a public sewer or drain, commits a criminal offence, unless the matter consists of ordinary house sewage. The offence is punishable by a fine of $50,000. 

Beyond the physical act of “placing or throwing”, the Ordinance prohibits:  

1. Causing or knowingly permitting: It is an offence to cause or knowingly permit such matter to be placed or thrown into a public sewer or drain. 
2. Liable to fall: It is also an offence to knowingly permit such matter to be placed in a position where it is “liable to fall or be carried” into the drainage system. 

Any substance discarded or otherwise dealt with as waste is presumed to be waste until the contrary is proved.