Enjoy your disposable plastic-free takeaway as MTR steps up efforts to go plastic-free across its entire network

Working together towards a greener tomorrow, MTR Corporation has joined forces with eateries and shops to reduce plastic use, plus installing Hong Kong’s first reusable self-service food container lending machine at MTR Hong Kong Station so that you too can say “no” to disposable lunch boxes.

A landmark step towards a plastic-free Hong Kong, MTR Corporation is launching a plastic reduction campaign which invites shops to sign the Environmental Protection Pledge and encourages all eateries across its extensive station network to accept food containers brought in by customers.

In particular, nearly 99 percent of over 280 takeaway food and beverage outlets in the MTR network have signed the Environmental Protection Pledge, which promises to refrain from providing disposable utensils and avoids the use of polystyrene.

Eateries at MTR Malls are also invited to join the plastic reduction initiative and practice waste reduction at the source by signing the Environmental Protection Pledge. In addition, green clauses are introduced to MTR’s tenancy agreements to make concerted efforts to support environmental protection.

Hong Kong’s first reusable food container lending machine for the public

The general public can also help to cut down disposable plastics. MTR Corporation is providing a sustainable alternative to plastic single-use takeaway boxes in its reusable food-container self-service lending machine and collection machine at MTR Hong Kong Station, the first of its kind in the MTR network.

This pioneering initiative “Embarking on a Green Journey by Choosing to Reuse – Reusable Food Container Scheme”, is the extension of a reusable food packaging pilot scheme initiated by foodpanda Hong Kong (foodpanda) and World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) with support from the Environment and Conservation Fund.

The programme allows the general public to easily borrow and return reusable food containers, thereby empowering everyone to contribute to a more sustainable planet by living an eco-friendly and low-carbon lifestyle.

Apart from introducing the new self-service food container machine at Hong Kong Station, MTR Corporation has also added 2,000 reusable food containers into the programme, increasing the number of reusable food containers to 10,000.

The number of participating eateries has also grown to over 50, offering an array of eco-friendly dining options, thanks to MTR’s efforts in inviting 10 food joints to participate in the programme.

“As a low-carbon public transportation operator, MTR has actively supported the journey towards a green future. We are thrilled to launch the MTR Shops Plastic Reduction Campaign, with strong support from the majority of F&B shops across our network,” says Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, Managing Director - Hong Kong Transport Services of MTR Corporation.

Go disposable plastic-free, hassle-free

All are welcome to “Reusable Food Container Scheme at Hong Kong Station” by getting a reusable food container from the self-service lending machine at Shop 11A, Hong Kong Station with a small deposit of HK$10. The food container can be used when purchasing takeaway and are especially welcomed at the 10 participating eateries at Hong Kong Station.

You can also opt to patronize the over 50 participating food and beverage outlets that offer dishes packed in reusable food containers in the foodpanda mobile app. This eco-friendly option is available for both delivery and pickup orders.

After enjoying your meal, you can choose to keep the food container, or clean it and return it to the collection machine at Hong Kong Station, or any of the nine designated collection points on Hong Kong Island including the self-service collection machine in World-Wide House and Admiralty Centre, to retrieve your deposit.

Collected food containers will undergo thorough cleansing and sterilization by foodpanda in collaboration with gategroup Solutions Hong Kong Limited and Bright Services Company Limited, a social enterprise under SideBySide, after which they will be delivered to partner restaurants and the lending machine at Hong Kong Station.

An additional collection point at Sai Ying Pun Station will be available in the first quarter of next year, adding convenience for people to return their reusable containers.

At Shop 11A of Hong Kong Station, you will also find useful tips and messages by WWF on protecting the environment and reducing the use of plastics. WWF will also work with foodpanda to organize themed seminars, and assist food and beverage outlets within the MTR network to effectively reduce the use of disposable utensils in their operations.

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Participating food and beverage outlets at Hong Kong Station:

- Tong Kee Bao Dim
- Hung Fook Tong
- Starbucks Coffee
- Kam Kee
- Foodbox
- morimori
- Dr. BBQ
- Hana-musubi
- Original Taste Workshop
- AFK

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Nine designated collection points for reusable food containers on Hong Kong Island:

- Central Market, 2/F
- Standard Chartered Bank Building 1/F
- World-Wide House, G/F
- Phase 3, Pacific Place, B1/F
- Admiralty Centre, 1/F
- Lee Tung Avenue, B1/F
- Fashion Walk 1/F
- Phase 1, Exchange Square , 3/F
- Time Square, B5/F

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