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Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban

Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A paper bowl lined with a plastic coating used by a food stall at Dragon Centre in Sham Shui Po. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong environmental issues

Food court stalls caught off guard by rules over plastic serving containers

Warnings over food containers lined with plastic have been handed out to some stall operators, who say switch to approved versions will cost them.

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Science

China flexes surveillance muscle with South China Sea garbage count

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Hong Kong society

Brewing danger: 80% of Hongkongers unaware of microplastics in tea and coffee

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong restaurants may start testing alternatives to plastics in next 2 months

Food containers among items in second phase of single-use plastics ban, as environment minister first looks to gauge feedback.

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The environment minister says authorities hope to implement the second phase of the single-use plastics ban “as soon as possible”. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong environment chief says voluntary green measures better given economy

Environment minister Tse Chin-wan warns that mandatory measures could force more businesses to close as he unveils plans for phase two of plastics ban.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Letters | Single-use alternatives to plastic distract from real solutions

Readers discuss the dangers of quick fixes to plastic pollution, the importance of understanding soft power, and the growing urgency of the climate crisis.

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Hong Kong society

6 Hong Kong restaurants slapped with fines for flouting single-use plastics ban

Environment chief Tse Chin-wan says each restaurant was fined HK$2,000 for repeated non-compliance.

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City leader John Lee has said that the plastics ban is intended to encourage residents to change their behaviour as opposed to punishing businesses. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong scientists turn kombucha ingredient into plastic substitute

Team’s waterproof, oilproof polymer can be used as a biodegradable packaging material for food and drinks.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Opinion | What Hong Kong’s 2023 waste data tells us, and what it doesn’t

The good news of less waste generated is tempered by the lack of clarity on plastic waste statistics and officials’ mistaken faith in incineration as a solution.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Letters | No global plastic treaty yet, but Hong Kong has work to do

Readers discuss the imperative of passing local legislation to curb plastic use, the authority vested in Malaysia’s Conference of Rulers, and the danger of narrow pavements.

A South Korean activist calls for a strong global plastics treaty outside the venue for the meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Busan, South Korea, on December 1. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Letters | Hong Kong must give high-calibre talent a reason to come

Readers discuss how Hong Kong can attract well-connected professionals, a local ballet’s cross-cultural appeal, and why the second phase of the city’s plastic ban shouldn’t be delayed.

Travellers walk through Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, on July 15. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong should do more to pressure producers of single-use plastics: Greenpeace

Group finds plastic made up 97 per cent of rubbish collected in two rivers, with packaging from major drinks brands among most prevalent.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Some Hong Kong businesses struggle to replace single-use plastics as ban looms

Although official data shows 95 per cent of businesses in retail and hospitality have made switch, checks on the ground paint more complicated picture.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong shops still selling glow sticks for Mid-Autumn despite plastics ban

Sellers rush to clear stock before grace period ends next month, as economic mood and changing trends weigh on traditional stores.

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Glow sticks on sale at a Wan Chai toy store. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Microplastics found in 85% of faeces collected from wild animals in Hong Kong

Greenpeace works with researchers to analyse 100 faecal samples from buffalo, cattle, boars, macaques and porcupines in Hong Kong’s countryside.

Wild boars were among the species that featured in the study involving Greenpeace. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong should require mega event organisers to cut waste, recycle: green groups

Plastic, glass and food waste pile up after large events, when much of it can be collected and recycled.

Hong Kong

Video | Is “green” cutlery the solution to Hong Kong’s plastic ban?

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Hong Kong environmental issues

How easy is recycling in Hong Kong? The Post puts green lifestyle to the test

Reporter collects up all his recyclable waste for one week to figure out what it takes to stop plastics going straight into the bin.

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Hong Kong is pushing for more residents to recycle. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Hong Kong economy

The View | Mindset reinvention needed to secure future of Hong Kong’s businesses

Faced with climate change, geopolitics and evolving consumption patterns, too many businesses are headed for extinction in the coming decade without reinvention.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

70% of Hong Kong eateries make switch to eco-friendly utensils after plastics ban

Ecology and Environment Bureau announces figure after visiting around 7,000 restaurants to check on their progress since first phase of ban took effect in late April.

Hong Kong aviation

Letters | New HK Express fare option gives travellers more choice

Readers discuss the benefits of HK Express’ new baggage policy, why now might be the best time to reconsider the 2014 universal suffrage proposal, the need to foster intellectual curiosity, and the challenge of waste-reduction efforts.

A passenger handles luggage at an HK Express counter at Hong Kong International Airport on May 8. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Food for thought? Most Hong Kong restaurants open to lunchbox lending idea

Environmental group Greeners Action urges government to promote takeaway container borrowing services in community as further step to reduce plastic.

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Yvonne Leung, operator of Space Cafe, started switching to reusable lunchboxes for takeaway orders in 2020. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong environmental issues

How are Hong Kong’s 5-star hotels adapting to single-use plastics ban?

The Post finds many of city’s most luxurious hotels have not scrapped free plastic amenities for guests despite recent ban amid leeway offered during transition period.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Inside Out | What’s so bad about artificial flowers and fake plants?

Much of the criticism of artificial flowers is environmental: they are made in factories, use plastics and end up in landfills. But the cut-flower business also has poor green credentials.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Single-use plastics leads Hong Kong styrofoam giant to move to greener options

Yee Wah Global says it hopes to transform the ban into opportunity by investing in and researching alternative tableware.

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The first phase of Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastics took effect last month. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Hong Kong environmental issues

Just half of residents at most stick to rules in Hong Kong waste scheme trial

Environmental Protection Department says garbage handling fees have added financial pressure to the operators of restaurants, businesses and nursing homes.

Under the waste-charging scheme, rubbish bags are available in nine sizes. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

‘Hong Kong to review eco-friendly utensils supply before plastics ban’s next phase’

‘We will observe how residents have adapted to the first phase of the plastic ban and the supply of alternatives before making our next step,’ John Lee says.

Hong Kong society

How Hong Kong convenience stores regulate dine-in orders under plastics ban

Post learns of conflicting measures at convenience stores over on-site snack bar food such as siu mai and fish balls.

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