Govt prepares for the second phase of plastic reduction scheme

The government is gearing up for the second phase of the disposable plastic tableware scheme, emphasizing practicality over cost when introducing alternatives.

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on a talk show on Saturday that there is no fixed timeline for the implementation, and the government will first conduct trials within the industry before setting an implementation timeline.

Tse noted that imposing forceful bans on plastic utensils may prove ineffective. Reflecting on the scheme's first phase, he observed that while many residents were open to using paper-based alternatives, certain substitutes, such as paper spoons, faced criticism.

In response to public feedback on paper-based alternatives, the government intends to adopt a more practical approach by thoroughly testing viable alternatives before a broad rollout. "We can't expect everyone to carry their own food containers during phase two," he stated.

When asked if the trial-first approach was a response to backlash from the "Municipal Solid Waste Charging" scheme, Tse explained that forceful measures often trigger negative reactions.

The environment chief highlighted that trials could accelerate the development of market-ready alternatives, noting that many restaurants have already joined the pilot program.

Tse also mentioned that ongoing trade tensions mean that enforcing strict policies could lead to resistance. He emphasized that the government still aims to reduce waste, but will employ more strategic approaches.

Additionally, Tse mentioned plans to upgrade the city’s recycling system, including processing used electric car batteries in Hong Kong before shipping them to mainland China for recycling. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable recycling system in the Greater Bay Area.