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" refers to a material consisting of a polymer, to which an additive or any other substance may have been added, while "plastic product" generally refers to the product that is wholly or partly made of plastics.  

Plastic materials regulated under the new law include: 
1. Conventional plastic
1. PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) Example: Plastic beverage container 2. PE-HD (High Density Polyethylene) Example: Cleaning product and personal care product container 3.  PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Example: Raincoat, packaging material 4. PE-LD (Low Density Polyethylene) Example: Cling wrap for food, plastic bags 5. PP (Polypropylene) Example: Disposable food container, disposable bottle cap 6. PS (Polystyrene) Example: Disposable cup lid, cutlery, foam food container 7. All other resin and multi-materials not otherwise defined Example: Products made from polycarbonate (e.g. CD)
2. Oxo-degradable plastic
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3. Biodegradable plastic
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4. Plastic lining
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Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware

At a Glance
Scope of Regulation
Implementation Date: 22 April 2024

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

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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 provided for free

2. Ballon Sticks

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

3. Inflatable Cheer Sticks

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

4. Glow Sticks

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

5. Party Hats

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

6. Umbrella Bags

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

7. Plastic Food Sticks

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

8. Plastic Toothpicks

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

9. Non-medical Use Transparent Gloves

Can continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

10. Promotional Use Plastic Wrapped Tissue Paper

Can continue to be sold

Cannot provided for free

11. Disposable Plastic Products in Hotel Rooms

  • Plastic-handled Toothbrushes

  • Plastic-packed Toothpaste

  • Shower Caps

  • Razors

  • Nail Files

  • Combs

  • Toiletries Packed in Disposable Plastic Containers

  • Plastic-bottled Water

Can continue to provide

Cannot provided for free

12. Oxo-degradable Plastics (Disposable or not)

Cannot continue to be sold

Cannot provided 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.

Contact Us

Phone: (852) 5467 2494
Email: info@cuttheplastics.hk