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Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban
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  • City leader John Lee says he is glad residents started bringing own utensils after ban’s first stage came into force last week
  • ‘We will observe how residents have adapted to the first phase of the plastic ban and the supply of alternatives before making our next step,’ he adds
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Environmental chief Tse Chin-wan says policy’s main purpose to educate public on waste reduction, following confusion over rules for pre-packaged supermarket sushi.

Some patrons opt to get hands dirty eating fried chicken at popular fast food chains to avoid paying for gloves as new single-use plastics ban gets under way.

Environment chief Tse Chin-wan says he feels six months sufficient for businesses to clear out inventories of soon-to-be-banned plastic utensils, but open to extension.

First stage of ban takes effect on April 22 and prohibits use of styrofoam products and throwaway plastic utensils, as well as cups and containers for dine-in services.

Hong Kong needs more innovative and automated solutions on top of government incentives to help its under-utilised, money-losing sustainability efforts.

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Green groups say Hong Kong’s two-stage ban omits paper packaging using waterproof coatings that can generate microplastic and release ‘forever chemicals’.

Government to post warnings at immigration checkpoints and hotels to remind travellers to have their own hygiene products, such as razors, because of throwaway plastics ban.

Restaurants will not offer disposable plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery or plates for dine-in and takeaway services when ban’s first stage kicks off on April 22.

Lawmakers say introduction of charges for plastic waste bags few weeks earlier may create confusion over two policies and problems for catering trade.

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