Hong Kong to consider whether eco-friendly utensils supply is enough before next year’s second phase of single-use plastics ban: John Lee
- City leader John Lee says he is glad residents started bringing own utensils after ban’s first stage came into force last week
- ‘We will observe how residents have adapted to the first phase of the plastic ban and the supply of alternatives before making our next step,’ he adds
Hong Kong will consider whether the supply of eco-friendly utensils is sufficient, as well as their price levels before rolling out the second stage of a ban on single-use plastics, the city leader has said.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday he was glad that residents had changed their behaviour by bringing their own utensils since the first phase of the ban came into force “in a stable and orderly manner” last Monday.
Under the first phase, styrofoam products and throwaway plastic utensils, such as cutlery and straws, were prohibited for takeaway purchases. Single-use plastic tableware was no longer available to patrons dining in.
But some consumers were left confused over which containers should be used for pre-packaged sushi at supermarkets and whether they could dine in at convenience stores amid the inconsistent application of the ban.
Asked whether the government would postpone the implementation of the ban’s second phase set for next year, Lee said his administration would closely monitor the situation.
“We will observe how residents have adapted to the first phase of the plastic ban and the supply of alternatives before making our next step,” Lee said ahead of his weekly meeting with his advisers in the Executive Council.
