Editorial | Hong Kong must catch up on single-use plastics ban

That single-use plastic products are harmful to the environment and should be outlawed has long become an international consensus. Hong Kong is, finally, joining a growing list of places that ban such items. As with other green initiatives seeking to change business practices and individual behaviour, education and publicity are essential. The authorities should work closely with the affected industries to ensure the ban can be implemented smoothly.

The two-phase ban scheduled to take effect on Earth Day on April 22 is as symbolic as it is wide-ranging. The first stage targets the sale and distribution of disposable plastic tableware, such as expanded polystyrene containers, plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery. Products that have non-plastic alternatives, such as cotton buds, umbrella covers and glow sticks, are also covered. Hotels and guest houses will also be prohibited from supplying toiletries in synthetic disposable containers and free in-room water in plastic bottles.

Plastic food containers and the free distribution of products such as plastic-stemmed dental floss and earplugs will be outlawed in the second stage in early 2025, according to the government timetable.

There are calls to delay enforcement, especially when the waste charge will also come into effect in early April. But the ban is already behind schedule. The bill was tabled as early as March after a public consultation in 2021. With still half a year to go, there is no reason at this stage to say there is insufficient time for compliance. Environment minister Tse Chin-wan said the authorities would resort to warnings initially before enforcement. This can enhance awareness without compromising compliance.

Behavioural changes take time. Thanks to the plastic bag levy, shoppers usually bring their own reusable tote bags instead of paying extra for plastic ones nowadays. Many countries have already introduced similar plastic bans. Separately, a resolution was passed by 175 countries, including China, at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022 to complete the drafting of a global treaty that aims at reducing plastic pollution by 2024. The city must catch up and ensure the ban on disposable plastic wares can be enforced smoothly and effectively.