Plastic bags cost our environment dear
- Proposed doubling of levies is a step in the right direction, but green groups say it does not go far enough in Hong Kong, where the ‘disincentive effect’ has steadily worn off
Plastic shopping bag levies may be doubled by the end of the year under a waste-reduction measure going before the legislature tomorrow. The Environment and Ecology Bureau proposes raising the charge per bag from 50 HK cents to HK$1.
Environmental groups welcome the increase, but argue that it should be higher and is long overdue. Admittedly, it does not reflect well on Hong Kong’s green aspirations that the proposed rise is the first in the 13 years since a levy was introduced to encourage us to bring our own bags when we shop.
The “disincentive effect” had steadily worn off, environment minister Tse Chin-wan wrote in draft remarks sent to lawmakers to argue for the increase. It is questionable whether doubling the fee will make much difference to many consumers.
The Council for Sustainable Development had recommended a levy increase to at least HK$2. Environmentalists agree it would have been an effective step towards an eventual plastic ban that many communities around the world already have.
The global health crisis has been a setback for anti-pollution efforts, generating mounds of masks, self-testing kits, takeaway meal containers and extra layers of plastic demanded by virus-wary shoppers. Even before the pandemic, many shrugged off the levy or looked for ways around it. Most stores have stopped offering small plastic bags for loose fruit and vegetables after some customers used them to avoid paying a levy at the checkout. Other shops still offer “recycled” bags for free.