Disposable tableware are used in takeaway orders at a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, on July 26, 2021. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Environmental officers are to visit all of Hong Kong’s 20,000 non-chain restaurants, as well as suppliers of disposal plastic tableware, on the ban on these products to be introduced next month.
Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told a Legislative Council panel meeting on Monday the government is confident that the ban – to be implemented from April 22 – will be carried out as planned.
Tse said eateries can still continue to provide disposable plastic tableware during the six-month adaptation period, but restaurants may not have stocks to last more than half a year
The ban, passed by lawmakers in October last year, will be enforced in two phases. The first phase starts on April 22, with a six-month grace period.
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Tse said eateries can still continue to provide disposable plastic tableware during the six-month adaptation period, but restaurants may not have stocks to last more than half a year. Importers of disposable tableware can re-export them if they still have stocks by the time the prohibition comes into force.
Urging traders to stop placing orders for new disposable plastic tableware immediately, Tse said the authorities have informed both major and small suppliers since the bill was passed last year.
Legislator Edward Leung Hei asked if it would be illegal for diners to use regulated disposable tableware allowed for dine-in purposes, Tse said although such a practice is not encouraged, it would not be illegal.
Tse said the ban, designed to reduce waste at the source, is not directed at the public, hence it would not be illegal for residents themselves to continue using such disposable plastic tableware.
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Leung also said the effectiveness of reducing the use of disposal plastic products might be compromised as hotels would still be allowed to charge guests if they prefer to use such products. Tse replied that hotels should inform guests in advance about the charges involved, but it’s believed the industry would opt for alternatives rather than charging customers.
Perry Yiu Pak-leung, who represents the tourism sector in the Legislative Council, agreed that the restaurant industry would be inclined to use alternative tableware products as there would not be enough manpower to explain the matter to diners.
