First phase of citywide ban on single-use plastics comes into effect Mon

The first phase of legislation to control disposable plastic tableware and products comes into effect today.

Styrofoam and disposable plastic tableware are prohibited from being supplied for dine-in meals and cannot be sold.

While using styrofoam tableware, plastic straws, plastic utensils, plastic plates, etc., is also prohibited for takeaways, plastic cups, plastic cup lids, plastic bowls, and plastic boxes can still be used, and merchants can continue to sell them.

As for other disposable plastic products, the sale of plastic-handled cotton swabs, umbrella bags, plastic toothpicks, food stickers, inflatable cheering sticks, party hats, light sticks, etc., will be prohibited and not provided free of charge.

However, tissue with advertising packaging, non-medical-use rubber gloves, etc., can be provided for a fee.

In addition, hotels and guesthouses will be barred from providing some disposable toiletries for free, including plastic-handled toothbrushes, toothpaste, plastic combs, shower gel in small bottles, etc.

Water in plastic bottles will not be provided free of charge; guests can pay to purchase it if necessary.

The new law will have a six-month adaptation period.

The Environmental Protection Department will visit nearly 20,000 small and medium-sized restaurants, along with 20,000 retail stores and hotels in Hong Kong, to understand their operating conditions and conduct publicity and education to help the industry comply with the new law.

The department advises merchants to use up their inventory of regulated products as soon as possible during the adaptation period and prepare suitable substitutes as quickly as possible.

Read more: Plastic ban begins at chain restaurants, certain stores provide utensils for HK$1