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
Other Disposable Plastic Products | Sale | Takeaway | Dine-in |
|---|---|---|---|
1. All polystyrene tableware (Including plate, food container and cup) | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
2. Plastic Straws | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
3. Plastic Stirrers | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
4. Plastic forks, knives and spoons | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
5. Plastic Plates | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
6. Plastic Cups | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
7. Plastic Cup Lids | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
8. Plastic Bowl and Food Containers etc. | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
9. Lids for Plastic Bowls and Food Containers etc. | Can continue to be sold | Can continue to be used | Cannot continue to be used |
Regulation of Other Disposable Plastic Products
Other Disposable Plastic Products | Sale | Supply for Free | Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Plastic Cotton Buds | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
2. Ballon Sticks | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
3. Inflatable Cheer Sticks | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
4. Glow Sticks | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
5. Party Hats | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
6. Umbrella Bags | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
7. Plastic Food Sticks | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
8. Plastic Toothpicks | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
9. Non-medical Use Transparent Gloves | Can continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
10. Promotional Use Plastic Wrapped Tissue Paper | Can continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | |
11. Disposable Plastic Products in Hotel Rooms
| Can continue to provide | Cannot provide for free | |
12. Oxo-degradable Plastics (Disposable or not) | Cannot continue to be sold | Cannot provide for free | Cannot manufacture |
The second phase of regulation will be further implemented after fully considering the maturity, popularity and affordability of relevant non-plastic alternatives.
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.
