The Environmental Protection Department Announces the Adaptation Period Arrangement for Regulating Disposable Plastic Tableware and Other Plastic Products

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced the adaptation period arrangement for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products on April 12, 2023. This new policy will be implemented starting from April 22, 2023 (Earth Day), with the first six months serving as the adaptation period. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the background of this policy, specific arrangements, and its impact on various parties.

Policy Background and Objectives

Global Challenge of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue facing the world. A large number of single-use plastic products, especially disposable plastic tableware, pose a serious threat to our ecosystems. According to data from the United Nations Environment Programme, approximately 300 million tons of plastic waste are generated globally each year, of which about 8 million tons eventually enter the oceans. This plastic waste not only harms marine life but also affects human health through the food chain.

Current Situation of Plastic Pollution in Hong Kong

As a highly urbanized area, Hong Kong faces particularly prominent plastic pollution issues. Statistics from the EPD show that approximately 2,000 tons of plastic waste are sent to landfills in Hong Kong every day, a significant portion of which consists of disposable tableware and packaging materials. This not only exacerbates the already strained landfill space but also severely impacts Hong Kong's marine environment.

Policy Objectives

The main objectives of the EPD in implementing this regulatory policy include:

1. Reducing the use and disposal of single-use plastic products
2. Encouraging businesses and citizens to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives
3. Raising public awareness of plastic pollution issues
4. Promoting Hong Kong's transition to sustainable development and a circular economy

Through these efforts, the EPD hopes to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste in Hong Kong and contribute to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Specific Arrangements for the Adaptation Period

Timeline

• Start Date: April 22, 2023 (Earth Day)
• Length of Adaptation Period: 6 months
• End of Adaptation Period: October 21, 2023

Implementation Strategies

During the 6-month adaptation period, the EPD will adopt the following strategies:

1. Primarily Focused on Public Education: EPD staff will actively patrol relevant business locations, focusing on public education efforts.
2. No Law Enforcement Actions: During the adaptation period, even if violations are found, the EPD will not take enforcement actions.
3. Providing Guidance and Information: The EPD will provide advice and relevant information to businesses to assist them in complying with the new regulations.
4. Phased Inspections:
   • Initial Phase: Focus on inspecting 20,000 catering establishments and 20,000 retail stores and hotels
   • Later Phase: Provide targeted guidance to business locations that still do not comply

Enforcement Plan After the Adaptation Period

After the adaptation period ends, the EPD will continue to adopt a gradual enforcement model:

1. Prioritize public education methods
2. For non-compliant businesses, first understand the actual difficulties and provide appropriate guidance
3. For businesses that repeatedly refuse to comply, take enforcement actions as necessary

This gradual enforcement strategy aims to give businesses ample time to adapt to the new regulations while ensuring that the policy can be effectively implemented.