Hong Kong may extend 6-month grace period for plastics ban that starts Monday: minister

Environment chief Tse Chin-wan says he feels six months sufficient for businesses to clear out inventories of soon-to-be-banned plastic utensils, but open to extension

‘Our overall approach is hoping to help the industry eliminate plastics. So if we really see any reason for an extension after six months, we are happy to consider it,’ he says

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The first phase of the ban will cover styrofoam products and throwaway utensils at takeaway spots, while single-use plastic cups and boxes will also no longer be available to patrons dining in. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 3:11pm, 20 Apr 2024Updated: 8:13pm, 20 Apr 2024

Hong Kong may extend the grace period for its single-use plastics ban beyond six months to allow restaurants and suppliers to clear their inventories, a minister has said days before the first stage of the policy takes effect on Monday.

But an industry representative said an extension would be unfair to operators who made the effort to switch, with plastic alternatives typically costing more but shunned by patrons.

The first phase will cover styrofoam products and throwaway utensils such as cutlery and straws offered at takeaway spots. Single-use plastic cups and boxes will also no longer be available to patrons dining in.

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told a TV programme on Saturday that authorities were open to extending the grace period.

“Some people have also asked me whether the six-month [grace period] is a hard deadline,” he said.

“Our overall approach is hoping to help the industry eliminate plastics. So if we really see any reason for an extension after six months, we are happy to consider it.”