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Hong Kong environmental issues
Hong KongHealth & Environment

Tourists, business travellers take Hong Kong’s new ban on single-use plastics in their stride

  • But some find the lack of free bottled water in hotel rooms an inconvenience
  • Visitor says becoming more environmentally friendly is a global trend and alternatives to free toiletries are available

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Hong Kong on Monday enforced a ban on the use of single-use plastic products including bottled water, toothbrushes and toothpaste at establishments such as hotels. Photo: Shutterstock
Oscar Liu,Ambrose LiandLo Hoi-ying
Tourists and business travellers visiting Hong Kong have said they are not too bothered by the new ban on single-use plastics which bars hotels from giving out certain toiletries, although some find the lack of free bottled water in rooms an inconvenience.

Australian businessman Marcus Taylor, 35, said he did not know about the new rules that took effect on Monday but a lack of items supplied by the hotel was not a problem.

“I always make sure to bring my own toothbrush and toothpaste when I travel, especially since many hotels in Europe don’t provide them,” he said.

“But most things are easily accessible in Hong Kong. It’s not difficult to find supermarkets where you can conveniently get what you need.”

“I don’t think my journey has been affected. But it’s absolutely crazy that bottled water is not allowed. It’s something very basic.”

The first of two phases of the ban commenced on Monday and forbids the use of single-use plastic products including bottled water, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toiletry kits, razors, nail files, combs and shower caps at establishments such as hotels.

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