Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastics begins, but businesses have 6 months to adapt
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastics began on Monday, coinciding with Earth Day. A variety of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products are now prohibited from being sold or taken away.
The first six months following the roll-out will be an “adaptation period,” which means the government will not take enforcement action against non-compliant businesses.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said in an April briefing session that it will focus on “promotion and education” during this period, and send staff to inspect around 20,000 restaurants and 20,000 retail stores as well as hotels.
Following the adaptation period, the department will give advice – or issue warnings – to those who disobey the ban. “For businesses with repeated non-compliance records, enforcement actions will be taken after taking into consideration the actual circumstances,” the department said in a statement.
All Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) tableware, as well as plastic straws, stirrers, forks, knifes, spoons and plates are now banned.
| Control measures | Disposable plastic products | |
| Phase 1, 2024 | Phase 2, 2025 | |
| Ban sale and free distribution |
– cotton buds – balloon sticks – inflatable cheer sticks – glow sticks – party hats – oxo-degradable plastic products (regardless of disposability) – umbrella bags – food sticks – plastic toothpicks |
– multipack rings – table cloths – plastic stemmed dental floss |
| Ban free distribution |
– hotel and guesthouse toiletries (including plastic-handled toothbrushes, plastic-packed toothpaste, shower caps, razors, nail files, combs, as well as shampoo, body wash, conditioners, body lotions and hand sanitisers packed in disposable plastic containers) and plastic-bottled water provided in hotel rooms – plastic-packaged tissue paper for promotional use – non-medical use transparent gloves |
– ear plugs |
| Ban manufacturing |
– oxo-degradable plastic products (regardless of disposability) | |
Plastic cups and food containers may still be sold and used for take-away, but will remain banned for dine-in purposes. Other prohibited products include stemmed cotton buds, umbrella bags and balloon sticks.
The Legislative Council passed the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 last October, with the ban introduced in two phases.
The second phase is tentatively set to begin in 2025, with more items set to be banned. It will depend on the availability and affordability of non-plastic or reusable alternatives and will see the sale and distribution of multipack rings, tablecloths, and plastic-stemmed dental floss prohibited.
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