Three major Hong Kong fast-food chains to be given free reusable utensils in HK$1.2 million scheme to spur ‘new habits’

Customers at three of Hong Kong’s major fast-food chains will be given free reusable tableware for forgoing single-use utensils as part of a new HK$1.2 million (US$153,000) government-funded incentive scheme to spur “new habits”.

Proponents of the move assure that no public funds will go into the pockets of big business.

Those who opt to exclude plastic spoons, knives and forks with their takeaway meals will earn a stamp, while collecting a set of six will earn them a free set of reusable cutlery – or a hot drink of their choice – at Cafe de Coral, Fairwood and Maxim’s.

The scheme is spearheaded by the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC). The non-statutory body is delegated by the government’s Environment Conservation Fund Committee to vet and approve projects that promote education on such issues and mobilise community action.

ECC chairman Lam Chiu-ying played down concerns that taxpayer money was being used to subsidise caterers without any public tendering and that ditching single-use plastics was responsible conduct anyway.