Beverage makers can't bottle out of plastic burden under proposal

Michael Shum

The Environmental and Ecology Bureau has proposed a significant initiative, requiring suppliers to arrange recovery services for plastic beverage containers and cartons with volumes of between 100 milliliters and two liters.

To encourage participation, suppliers must set up return points and offer a rebate of no less than 10 HK cents for bottles and cartons.

In a document submitted to the Legislative Council's environmental affairs panel, it outlined the intention of adopting a "market-led approach" for the Producer Responsibility Scheme.

Suppliers can provide the recovery service themselves or use third-party operators. In both cases, suppliers and operators must have an approved producer responsibility plan detailing the process and operational arrangements.

"They are also required to submit biannual reports on the quantity of containers and cartons," the bureau said.

Initial recovery targets will be set at a "pragmatic level" of 75 percent for containers and 50 percent for cartons within six to eight years.

Should the targets not be met, a recycling payment for the shortfall must be made to incentivize compliance.

An amendment bill for the proposal will be introduced in the first half.