Environmentalists worry 'one bag for two uses' approach encourages citizens to make more plastic waste

The government encourages citizens to opt for the "one bag for two uses" approach – using designated bags instead of plastic shopping bags for their shopping – after the municipal solid waste charge is implemented. However, environmental groups worried the practice may diminish incentives for citizens to bring their shopping bags to reduce waste at the source.

Designated bags and labels for waste disposal will be available for purchase at approximately 3,000 retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Some retail locations are set to sell those bags as early as next Friday (Jan 26).

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said the designated bags will be sold in packages in general, with the quantity varying based on bag capacity. For instance, there will be 40 three-liter or five-liter designated bags in one package, while a package of 20 for the 75-liter large bags. 

It said retail outlets will also be selling single designated bags at the checkout counter to offer a "one bag for two uses" option for customers.

Beatrice Siu Wing-yin, Greeners Action's senior public affairs officer, stated that while the practice could help reduce citizens' intent to use standard plastic shopping bags, there is concern about the lower price of smaller designated bags compared to the original HK$1 charge on current plastic shopping bags. 

"This could inadvertently encourage customers to buy smaller bags, sending the wrong message and undermining the effectiveness of the plastic bag levy," Siu said.

She believes only when an extra HK$1 levy for each designated bag sold at the retail points could encourage citizens to bring along their own shopping bags. 

The designated garbage bags come in nine different sizes, ranging from three to 100 liters, with prices varying between 30 HK cents and HK$11.