Plastic tableware off the menu

Around 70 percent of restaurants have turned to alternative cutlery and utensils in the first month after rolling out the single-use plastics ban on April 22, the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, describing the situation as "encouraging."

The bureau visited over 7,000 restaurants, of which around 4,900 have already switched to alternative cutlery in the first month of the six-month adaptation period, where there will be no enforcement.

Under the new law, restaurants are prohibited from providing single-use plastic tableware such as straws and cutlery, including styrofoam containers.

During the six-month window for restaurants and merchants, officers aim to educate and warn violators rather than take enforcement action.

On Facebook yesterday, the bureau said that among the restaurants visited, all major restaurant chains are no longer offering or charging takeaway customers HK$1 to HK$2 for plastic disposable tableware.

"They indicated a significant reduction in the use of disposable plastic tableware, with about 70 to 80 percent of takeaway customers choosing not to use them," the bureau said.

For small - and medium-sized restaurants, nearly 70 percent continued to provide disposable tableware free of charge, while the remaining 30 percent continue to charge HK$1 to HK$2.

About 10 percent of small restaurants are also not offering plastic disposable cutlery for takeaways, and 10 to 70 percent of takeaway customers of the remaining restaurants did not request for disposable plastic cutlery.

"Restaurants which have yet to switch to non single-use plastic products are mainly using up the remaining stock during the adaptation period to avoid wastage," the bureau said. "Some are still looking for suitable alternative tableware suppliers."

The bureau also visited 5,000 retail outlets, hotels and guesthouses, with more than 90 percent of them having met the requirements of the new legislation.

To provide quality service to the public and the trade, the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency will invite suppliers to submit relevant certificates or documents on the quality and safety of non-plastic tableware, the bureau stated.

In July, the online Green Tableware Platform will showcase the quality of non-plastic tableware, along with their certificates and documents, as references.

During the remaining five-month adaptation period, the bureau said officers of the Environmental Protection Department will focus on public awareness, as well as visit different businesses to assist them in complying with the requirements under the new legislation.

"We will continue to promote the plastic-free campaign - reduce the use of disposable plastic tableware and encourage using reusable tableware - through various channels and publicity and education activities."

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com