Six-month adaptation period of new regulation on disposable plastic products to end tomorrow
The new regulation on disposable plastic products came into effect on April 22 this year. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) reminds businesses that the six-month adaptation period will end tomorrow, October 21.
The EPD would like to remind all businesses again that the adaptation period will end soon. Those unprepared yet should take action as soon as possible to comply with the legal requirements. If businesses still have unused stock, they may consider discussing with suppliers for goods returning and exporting, or contacting relevant plastic recyclers for recycling and recovery.
The EPD spokesperson expressed gratitude for the strong support and active participation of the trades and members of the public in taking action to reduce disposable plastics. In the past half year since the legislation has been implemented, not only has it effectively reduced plastic consumption, but also successfully initiated a trend of waste reduction among members of the public.
The catering sector has generally 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.
It is estimated that since the implementation of the new "plastic-free" regulation, the catering industry has reduced the use of 30 million sets of disposable cutlery. This demonstrates that if everyone is willing to change their habits, such as bringing their own cutlery for takeaways, the use of disposable cutlery can largely be avoided in most situations. Disposable cutlery should only be used when necessary, and in such cases, non-plastic alternatives should be used.
After the adaptation period, the EPD will continue to prioritize publicity and education while supplementing these efforts with appropriate enforcement action. Priority will be accorded to the supply sources, with primary efforts directed towards inspecting various retail outlets to ensure that these merchants comply with the law at source.
At the retail level, the EPD will first inspect stores that were found incompliant during the adaptation period. If a retailer is found to be incompliant with the new legislation, a written warning will be issued on-site, requiring the responsible person to make improvements within 10 working days. If the business is still incompliant thereafter, a fixed penalty notice will be issued to the responsible person.
For other businesses such as catering and hotels, the EPD will also take action based on complaints. Upon receiving a complaint, inspections and investigations will be conducted. If violations are found, a warning letter will be issued to the responsible person requiring improvements within 10 working days. If non-compliance persists thereafter, a fixed penalty notice will also be issued to the responsible person.
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