HONG Kong has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by enforcing a ban on select single-use plastics and Styrofoam.
The ban, which commenced on Earth Day, includes items like cotton buds and balloon sticks, aiming to reduce waste pollution and promote greener practices.
Banning single-use plastics is part of Hong Kong’s Product Eco-responsibility Amendment Bill 2023, which reflects the region’s commitment to combating plastic pollution.
The first six months following the ban’s roll-out will be an adaptation period in which the government will not take enforcement action on businesses that have yet to follow the new rule.
The government of Hong Kong said it will launch a promotion and education this April, and will send inspectors to check around restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.
Reports say local businesses, including restaurants, are swiftly adapting to the new regulations, offering alternatives like rent-and-return cups instead of Styrofoam containers.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the ban will take place in 2025.
At that year, the ban will extend to items like multipack rings and plastic-stemmed dental floss.
These measures align with Hong Kong’s goal of reducing the 21% of waste comprised of plastics, based on a 2023 report.
