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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.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
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 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.

Hong Kong economy

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

Hong Kong environmental issues

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

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.

7-Eleven in April provided customers with disposable plastic boxes, paper tableware and bamboo sticks regardless of takeaway or dine-in orders. Photo: Eugene Lee
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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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.

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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.

A check of a government website shows the application form for mega event funding makes no mention of waste and carbon reduction. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
Hong Kong

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

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 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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Tourists rest outside a Wellcome supermarket on May 2. As awareness of the harms of ultra-processed foods grows, are the leaders of chains like Wellcome and ParknShop preparing for a future when unhealthy packaged food is no longer in demand? Photo: Eugene Lee
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.

The first phase of Hong Kong’s plastics ban took effect on April 22. Photo: Elson Li
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.

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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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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The hotel sector has called for an extension of a grace period due to difficulties in finding alternatives to plastic products. Photo: Shutterstock
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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People enjoy a flower tunnel set up to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, on February 5. Photo: Dickson Lee
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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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.

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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.

Alternatives to plastic utensils on display. The first phase of a ban on single-use plastics took effect last week. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong society

Explainer | 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.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Make or break for eco-friendly utensils in Hong Kong? Post tests some options

Post tests several types of non-plastic utensils with popular takeaway foods to see which work best.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong minister says plastics ban not ‘unreasonable’ amid confusion over rules

Environmental chief Tse Chin-wan says policy’s main purpose to educate public on waste reduction, following confusion over rules for pre-packaged supermarket sushi.

The first stage of Hong Kong’s plastics ban took effect on Monday. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Explainer | How sushi became a raw topic for Hong Kong’s plastics ban. The Post has answers

First phase of ban took effect on Monday, prohibiting polystyrene products, disposable plastic utensils for dine-in or takeaway meals.

Takeaway sushi packed into cardboard boxes at Japanese supermarket chain Don Don Donki. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong environmental issues

Suppliers of eco-friendly utensils urge Hongkongers to be patient amid complaints

Companies call for caterers to learn more about alternative tableware amid single-use plastics ban, using press conference to show quality of goods.

Hong Kong environmental issues

Hong Kong authorities under fire after clarification over sushi served in plastic

Lawmaker says authorities have only added to confusion by saying sushi can be served in plastic instead of cardboard for dine-in purposes.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Will picking sushi in Hong Kong become more of a lottery under plastics ban?

Major Japanese discount chain Don Don Donki replaces transparent plastic sushi boxes with cardboard ones in line with new rules on throwaway plastics.

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Cardboard sushi boxes for dine in customers sit alongside the usual see-through plastic containers at Don Don Donki. Photo: Jelly Tse
Climate change

Opinion | Action on plastic pollution shows us that another world is possible

As Hong Kong phases in its plastics ban, more can be done such as developing reusable systems and regulating corporations to reduce packaging. Fossil fuel and petrochemical interests are impeding progress on global plastics treaty talks but local solutions show we can put an end to the scourge of plastic.

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A sign at a restaurant informs patrons that it will not supply single-use plastic utensils to customers in Hong Kong, starting on April 22, as the city enforces the first phase of a ban on disposable plastic products in restaurants and hotels. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong leader shrugs off plastics ban criticism, hopeful over better utensils

John Lee says administration’s main concerns are steady supply of alternative products and affordability for consumers.

Hong Kong society

HK$888,888 for a set of plastic utensils? Hongkongers have some fun with ban

As city bans single-use plastic, some residents are offering ‘out-of-production’ items for eye-watering prices online.

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