Ayra WangThe upcoming ban on single-use plastic, set to be implemented by the administration on April 22, is not expected to significantly impact the operational costs of catering businesses. According to Kenneth Cheng Kin, assistant director of the Environmental Protection Department, the prices of substitutes for single-use plastic are comparable to those of plastic products. Starting from April 22, the new policy will prohibit local merchants and retailers from selling or providing single-use plastic tableware, as well as other plastic products like plastic toothpicks and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. Approximately 20 percent of municipal solid waste in Hong Kong consists of plastic waste, with plastic tableware accounting for 10 percent. He said hotels must itemize the charges for plastic products on the bill and should not include them in the accommodation fees.

Source: The Standard February 08, 2024 20:42 UTC