About the Regulation
Background
The Government promulgated the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035” in February 2021 setting out the vision of "Waste Reduction ‧ Resources Circulation ‧ Zero Landfill". The Blueprint outlines the strategies, goals and measures to tackle the challenge of waste management up to 2035 as well as building a circular economy and a sustainable green living environment. The Blueprint indicates six major areas of action with “Waste Reduction” being the top priority. One of the key measures under this area is the Government’s proposed phased regulation of disposable plastic tableware and exploration of the need in handling other single-use plastics.
In recent years, different places have been reducing the use of plastic materials, in particular single-use plastic products, and exploring other alternatives. In March 2022, a resolution was passed by representatives from 175 countries (including China) at the United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEA-5 to commence drafting a global treaty that aims at alleviating the serious problem of plastic pollution. With the society’s growing concern about climate change and sustainable development, the public is becoming more willing to make changes in their life to protect the environment. Hong Kong should keep pace with the world and our own country in the plastic reduction by regulating disposable plastic products.
What is "Plastic"?
Plastic materials regulated under the new law include:
Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware
Disposable plastic tableware | Sale | Takeaway | Dine-in |
|---|---|---|---|
1. All expanded polystyrene (EPS) tableware (including plates, food containers and cups) | X | X | X |
2. Plastic straws | X | X | X |
3. Plastic stirrers | X | X | X |
4. Plastic forks, knifes, spoons | X | X | X |
5. Plastic plates | X | X | X |
6. Plastic cups | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | X |
7. Plastic cup lids | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | X |
8. Food containers including plastic bowls and plastic boxes | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | X |
9. Lids of food containers including plastic bowls and plastic boxes | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | X |
Regulation of Other Disposable Plastic Products
Other disposable plastic products | Sale | Free distribution | Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Plastic stemmed cotton buds | X | X | |
2. Balloon sticks | X | X | |
3. Inflatable cheer sticks | X | X | |
4. Glow sticks | X | X | |
5. Party hats | X | X | |
6. Umbrella bags | X | X | |
7. Plastic food sticks | X | X | |
8. Plastic toothpicks | X | X | |
9. Non-medical use transparent gloves | Can continue to be sold | X | |
10. Plastic packaged tissue paper for promotional use | Can continue to be sold | X | |
11. The following plasic products for use in hotel rooms:
| Can be provided at a charge | X | |
12. oxo-degradable plastic products (regardless of disposability) | X | X | X |
The timing of implementation of the second phase of regulation will depend on the availability and affordability of alternatives. Details could be referred to the press release on the passage of the relevant Amendment Bill: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202310/18/P2023101800622.htm?fontSize=3
Exclusions / Exemptions
In general, the following situations are exempted from the new law. For disposable plastic tableware, (i) pre-packaged food or drinks (e.g. disposable plastic straws attached to beverage cartons, etc.) and (ii) the supply of disposable plastic straws to people with medical needs can be exempted. For other disposable plastic products, exemptions are available for the sale or supply of relevant products under certain circumstances, including the use for forensic analysis, scientific research or experiments, medical treatments or procedures, taking medicines, for resale purposes or for manufacturing process, etc.