Macau slaps ban on import of single-use plastic cutlery

Wallis Wang

Macau will ban the import of single-use nonbiodegradable plastic forks, spoons and knives from January 1 to protect the environment, according to authorities.

While Hong Kong is still in an initial phase of legal amendments involving the ban of single-use plastic utensils during dine-in, Macau has already been a step ahead after banning plastic straws and beverage stirs on January 1 this year.

Macau's Environmental Protection Bureau said: "After launching measures targeting styrofoam utensils, plastic straws and beverage stirs, analyzing the situation and communicating with the catering sector and business chambers the government will ban the import of single-use plastic forks, spoons and knives from January 1 next year.

"In order to allow the catering sector to have a better understanding of the measures and specific operation requirements, the bureau will hold briefings to ... make sure the ban will be well implemented."

Macau has banned the import and transit of foam meal boxes, bowls, cups and plates since 2020.

Macau has also banned plastic bags in retail stores except for a few specific goods Since 2019. Violators are fined 1,000 patacas (HK$960).

The Hong Kong government , meanwhile, is still planning to ban single-use plastic utensils only during dine-in service and could only launch a full ban on plastic utensils in 2025 at the earliest.

Greeners Action's executive director Angus Ho Hon-wai told The Standard: "The Hong Kong government is still mulling to ban the use of plastic utensils during dine-in while still allowing them in takeout orders, which is very outdated."

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com