Here’s What You Need to Know About the Disposable Plastic Tableware Ban

Following the passing of the bill for regulating disposable tableware and other plastic products in Oct. 2023, the first phase will be carried out starting this April for a more eco-friendly environment. Called “Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023,” the bill aims to ban selling and using disposable plastic tableware, which will be carried out in two phases.

In support of Earth Day, the proposed implementation of the first phase will be on April 22. With this, the sale and use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) tableware and other types of disposable plastic tableware like plastic straws, cutleries, plates, containers, and the like will no longer be allowed for dine-in services among catering premises.

Also included in the first phase, the sale and free distribution of other plastic products like cotton buds, balloon sticks, glow sticks, plastic toothpicks, and more, will be banned too. Plastic-handled toiletries for guesthouses and hotels will no longer be allowed, as well as plastic-packaged tissue paper and non-medical use transparent gloves. Manufacturing of oxo-degradable plastic products will also be halted.

For the second phase, restaurants will also be barred from using disposable plastic tableware for takeaway services. Meanwhile, more products like earplugs and tablecloths will also be added to the list of other plastic products that will be prohibited. Check out the list here for more information.

To further facilitate the adoption of non-plastic tableware, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has commissioned the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to create “Green Tableware,” an online information platform where food and beverage trade, tableware suppliers, and the public can check out a list non-plastic disposable products available for purchase.

A penalty extending from HK$2,000 to HK$100,000 will be Issued towards vendors that do not comply.