EPD notes 43 complaints and issues two warnings after full plastic ban

Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has received 43 complaints  about establishments non-compliant to the  new regulation on disposable plastic products, effective from April 22 with a grace period that ended  on October 21, however, only two establishments received warnings for not taking specific corrective actions during follow-up inspections.

In general,  Hong Kong has seen widespread compliance across the region, signaling a shift towards a greener lifestyle. During the adaptation period, EPD staff inspected over 47,700 venues, including catering premises, retail stores, hotels, and guesthouses, offering support to ensure compliance. Subsequent inspections over the past month targeted approximately 160 retail outlets previously found non-compliant, all of which have since met the regulatory requirements.

However, the EPD received 43 complaints about non-compliance in the past month, primarily concerning hotels and catering venues. Most issues were resolved, but two establishments failed to take corrective action, leading to written warnings with a stipulation to comply within 10 working days or face penalties.

The public has also shown a robust shift in behavior, with a notable increase in takeaway customers declining disposable tableware. Over 80 percent of customers at chain restaurants now opt out of disposable options, contributing to an estimated annual reduction of over 60 million sets of disposable tableware.

The EPD credits this success to the strong support and active participation from both the public and businesses. They emphasized that while legislation plays a crucial role, fostering societal recognition and establishing a plastic-free culture are paramount.

The department has called for collective support from all sectors of society to continue promoting plastic-free lifestyle.

The EPD stated that they remain committed to nurturing a green and ecologically conscious Hong Kong through ongoing education, support, and community engagement.