The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesperson said today (October 7) that the six-month adaptation period for the new regulation on disposable plastic products will conclude in two weeks, on October 21.
During the past five months of the adaptation period, the new regulation has successfully initiated a trend of waste reduction across various sectors.
The catering sector has reported that many takeaway customers have gradually adapted to bringing their own reusable cutlery. Chained restaurants have indicated that approximately 80 per cent of their customers have chosen not to require takeaway cutlery, and about 30 per cent of restaurants no longer provide any takeaway cutlery.
In the retail and services sectors, property management companies have revealed that most people have become accustomed to using umbrella dryers instead of single-use plastic umbrella bags. The use of disposable plastic products, such as plastic balloon sticks, glow sticks, and party hats during festivals, has significantly decreased, with businesses co-operating by switching to selling alternative products.
The hotel sector has reported that the consumption of disposable plastic items since the implementation of the new regulation has been reduced substantially. Many visitors have also expressed support for the new plastic-free measures. The implementation of the new regulation has encouraged habitual changes among both the public and the trades, fostering a new culture of "plastic-free, disposable-free, and green-recycling" at the community level and paving the way towards a new milestone in plastic-free living.
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