First stage of Hong Kong ban on single-use plastics to be brought forward 2 years to 2023, government says
- Plan changed because of increased acceptance of non-plastic alternatives for disposable items such as cutlery, straws and plates
- Sale or free distribution of other plastics, such as hotel toiletries, umbrella covers and toothbrushes, also to be banned
Hong Kong aims to bring forward a ban on single use plastic tableware provided by restaurants by two years, with the first phase of the measure to be in force as early as the last quarter of 2023.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau on Tuesday said the accelerated time frame was based on increased acceptance of non-plastic alternatives.
“At present, most of the suppliers in the market are already able to provide non-plastic alternatives … to disposable plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates that are covered by the first phase of the regulation,” the bureau said in a paper submitted to the Legislative Council.
“During the epidemic, people tend to use food delivery or takeaway services more frequently, resulting in an increase in the use of disposable plastic tableware; hence there is room to advance the implementation of the first phase of the regulation before 2025.”
The amendments to the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance will be presented to the Legislative Council’s panel on environmental affairs next Monday.