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Opinion | Don’t be half-hearted about Hong Kong’s plastic ban
- Already, environment officials are warning of more delays in case of business difficulties, while a government website listing plastic-free alternatives may not tell the full story
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Last week, Hong Kong announced that disposable plastic tableware in restaurants, and some other plastic products, would be banned from Earth Day 2024 – April 22.
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Part of plans to ban single-use plastic in the city, the second phase is now tentatively set for 2025 and, according to the authorities, will depend on the “availability and affordability” of non-plastic alternatives.
This means the second phase of the plastic ban could be delayed, like the first phase was.
Such an approach to regulation suggests that the Environment and Ecology Bureau is allowing policy to be led by the market – instead of being driven by environmental targets. This must go against the results-oriented spirit of governance embraced by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
The first phase of the plastic ban covers the sale and distribution of a range of items including expanded polystyrene tableware, cutlery, straws, stirrers and plates. Restaurants will not be allowed to offer them to customers, whether they are dining in or picking up a takeaway. Disposable plastic cups, lids and other containers will also not be offered to those dining in – in the second phase, this will extend to takeaways.
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The first-phase ban also covers the sale and free distribution of products such as umbrella bags, cotton buds, glow sticks and balloon sticks. Hotels and guest houses will no longer be able to supply free water or toiletries in plastic containers. Also banned is the sale, manufacturing and free distribution of OXO-degradable plastic products, which only degrade in the presence of oxygen, heat and UV light.
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