A ban on single-use plastics is coming into effect in Hong Kong in a bid to reduce pollution

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong has long been a major producer and consumer of good food, and a large amount of plastic and Styrofoam.

That is set to change with new legislation coming into force on Monday aimed at stopping the sale and distribution of single-use Styrofoam products and plastic cutlery.

Under the new law, single-use cutlery such as forks, spoons, straws and plates cannot be sold or distributed to either dine-in or takeaway customers. However, plastic food containers and cups can still be distributed for takeaways.

The regulation of single-use plastic tableware and other plastic products in Hong Kong aims to reduce their use at source and thus reduce pollution, Hong Kong’s Ministry of Environmental Protection said in an emailed response to The Associated Press .

Restaurants were given a six-month grace period. A second phase of the ban, expected next year, will ban all single-use plastics, including containers for both dine-in and takeaway.

Many restaurants have already started implementing the new measure.

Kuen Fat Kitchen is a typical lunch stop for many people in Hong Kong. Even before the new law was introduced, she had already started to reduce the use of Styrofoam boxes.

Owner Kitty Chan said the changes will mean higher costs.

“For a single-use cutlery set you might think it’s just a small change, but switching from the plastic spoon to a paper spoon doubles the costs for us. So it is not so friendly to the food and beverage industry operations,” Chan added.

Customers at Kuen Fat Kitchen have mixed feelings. Some don’t want the added hassle of eating out if they are asked to bring their own containers and utensils.

“When I’m at work, I only have an hour for lunch and I have to eat efficiently. I don’t find it convenient to bring my own cutlery and then do the dishes. It’s not convenient and I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said customer Darren Seng.

Others recognized the environmental impact of their eating habits.

“I think it’s better for the environment,” said resident Thomson Choi.

Single-use plastic cutlery is the second largest source of plastic waste in Hong Kong, after single-use plastic bags, according to Greenpeace. Many companies are switching to alternative plastics made from natural resources to comply with the new rules, rather than improving their packaging, the organization added.

Greenpeace campaigner Leanne Tam hopes the new law will discourage the throwaway culture and promote reusable items, rather than ‘greener’ disposable items.

“Any plastic ban policy should aim to influence the public to stay away from plastic. We need to move forward and take a new approach,” Tam said. “But we would like to remind the government that it needs to devote more resources to promoting reusable rather than disposable materials. This is the way to solve the core of the problem.”

According to the latest figures from the Hong Kong government in 2022, the city disposed of 11,128 tonnes of solid waste per day, of which 2,369 tonnes was plastic.

Hong Kong relies on the city’s three landfills to process its waste, but these are expected to be filled by around 2026, according to the government.

The city plans to introduce a municipal waste charge from August 1, but logistics still need to be worked out. It would force individual homes, restaurants and all businesses to pay for the waste they throw away.

Alice Fung, The Associated Press