Hong Kong Implements Ban on Disposable Plastic Tableware in Restaurants

Hong Kong has started implementing a ban on disposable plastic tableware in restaurants and food outlets as part of its efforts to reduce municipal waste. The ban, which covers plastic straws, cutlery, and styrofoam food containers, went into effect on Monday and appears to have been implemented smoothly so far.

Major food outlets have already switched to using tableware made of wood and other eco-friendly materials, while some smaller shops are still clearing their stock of plastic ware during a six-month grace period. The Environmental Protection Department said around 30% of restaurants have switched to non-plastic cutlery, and over half of hotel and retail businesses are now compliant with the new law.

The government has also banned hotels and guest houses from providing free toiletries in synthetic disposable containers and free in-room water in plastic bottles. However, the implementation of the ban has faced some challenges, with some businesses claiming that the alternative non-plastic utensils are more expensive, and consumers expressing concerns about their durability and user-friendliness.

Why this matters: The plastic ban is seen as a precursor to the implementation of a much-delayed pay-as-you-throw charging scheme, which has faced public resistance. The government is committed to enforcing the plastic ban and promoting compliance, as it believes the experience in doing so can provide insights into overcoming similar difficulties when implementing the waste levy.

The first phase of the ban covers polystyrene products and single-use plastic items like cutlery and straws, which are now prohibited for takeaways. Restaurants are serving a variety of alternative utensils to accommodate the new rules. While some customers expressed concerns about the presentation and freshness of food in cardboard boxes, others said they don't mind the change.

The government has given businesses a six-month grace period to adapt, and offenders face a maximum fine of US$100,000 ($12,765) and can also be ordered to pay US$2,000 under a fixed penalty scheme. The second phase, tentatively set for 2025, will ban plastic cups and containers.

In response to the ban, some Japanese food chains have temporarily paused their takeaway services to eliminate the use of single-use plastics. "The aim is to avoid any inconvenience caused by the ban and that dining-in is a simple and viable alternative," said Simon Wong, chief executive of LH Group, which operates these chains.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed a positive attitude towards the ban, stating that it is a collective responsibility to protect the environment and that alternative options are available and affordable. The Environmental Protection Department has also provided a platform offering over 700 alternatives to single-use plastic items to help businesses comply with the ban.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong bans disposable plastic tableware in restaurants and food outlets.
• Businesses switch to eco-friendly alternatives, but some face challenges with cost and durability.
• Ban seen as precursor to delayed pay-as-you-throw waste charging scheme.
• Offenders face fines up to $100,000; second phase banning plastic cups and containers set for 2025.
• Some food chains pause takeaway services to comply with the ban.