Hong Kong environmental authorities have stated they are going to postpone a ban on the sale and distribution of disposable plastic tableware at eating places, main inexperienced teams to specific disappointment over the federal government’s “routine procrastination”.
The Setting and Ecology Bureau had earlier stated it aimed to start out the ban late this 12 months or firstly of the following one “on the earliest”, however a spokeswoman on Thursday revealed the regulation would as an alternative be rolled out within the second quarter of 2024.
![Greenpeace campaigner Leanne Tam Wing-lam says the government always avoids giving specific commencement dates when planning to introduce new environmental policies. Photo: Edmond So](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2023/10/12/3a663cd2-dd87-4a36-b406-46941eb4175c_1126e908.jpg?ssl=1)
“The implementation time of the primary stage of the regulation is dependent upon the time when the Legislative Council passes the invoice,” she stated, referring to the authorized modification that was scheduled for its second and third readings subsequent Wednesday within the legislature, its first assembly after the summer season recess.
“Whether it is handed on October 18, the primary part of management shall be carried out within the second quarter of subsequent 12 months, with the precise implementation date to be introduced later.”
The Council for Sustainable Growth in April final 12 months really useful a progressive ban on the use, sale and free distribution of single-use plastic merchandise over a three-year interval.
This March, the federal government launched a invoice calling for a two-phase ban primarily based on solutions made by environmental affairs advisers.
Part one will embody a ban on the sale and distribution of disposable plastic tableware, similar to expanded polystyrene containers, straws, stirrers and cutlery, in addition to objects which have non-plastic alternate options, similar to cotton buds, umbrella covers and glow sticks.
Accommodations and visitor homes can even be barred from offering disposable toiletries and in-room plastic-bottled water totally free after the primary part takes impact.
Part two will outlaw the sale and distribution of plastic meals receptacles, in addition to the free distribution of things similar to plastic-stemmed dental floss and earplugs.
In March, a bureau spokesman stated the first-phase regulation would possible take impact six months after the passage of the modification, including the second part would rely upon the “availability and affordability” of the non-plastic alternate options.
First stage of Hong Kong single-use plastics ban introduced ahead 2 years to 2023
First stage of Hong Kong single-use plastics ban introduced ahead 2 years to 2023
However on Thursday, the bureau spokeswoman stated a six-month preparation interval was wanted after the invoice was handed, and authorities would perform publicity and training work within the meantime to “let all sectors of society perceive” the regulation.
“We’re tentatively planning to implement part two in 2025,” she added.
Greenpeace campaigner Leanne Tam Wing-lam stated the federal government at all times prevented giving particular graduation dates when planning to introduce new environmental insurance policies.
The federal government in July introduced the postponement of a long-awaited waste-charging scheme to April 1 subsequent 12 months as an alternative of introducing it on the finish of this 12 months as initially urged.
“The shortage of a sure date provides authorities an excuse to procrastinate, which in flip turns into an excuse for companies and the general public to take action as nicely. It has change into the federal government’s behavior,” Tam stated.
“The federal government has to supply the general public a clearer timetable that permits individuals to observe the progress and lift concrete considerations and suggestions. With out one, nobody would care.”
Session opens on new proposal to ban single-use plastics in Hong Kong
Session opens on new proposal to ban single-use plastics in Hong Kong
Edwin Lau Che-feng, govt director of The Inexperienced Earth, stated that though he felt disenchanted concerning the delay, he was not shocked.
“The federal government has a report of delaying issues, which is detrimental to the general public sentiment about its environmental insurance policies,” he stated. “Among the supplies needs to be banned as early as doable, similar to expanded polystyrene. It is likely one of the most problematic plastic merchandise as a result of it disintegrates extra simply than different supplies similar to polypropylene and poses better hurt to nature.”