Hong Kong has issued 42 fixed penalty notices of HK$2,000 since implementing the first phase of the single-use plastic ban two years ago.
However, with Earth Day on Wednesday marking the ban’s second anniversary, there is no word on when the next phase will open. It was initially intended to be implemented last year.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) told HKFP that from April 22, 2024, to the end of March this year, it had received 282 complaints about the regulation.
“Among the 282 complaints received, 244 involved regulated single-use plastic tableware, 36 involved other regulated plastic products, and 2 of these involved both,” EPD said on April 10.
approved by the Legislative Council Product Eco Responsibility Bill (Amendment) 2023 in October 2023, with the entry into force of the law on April 22 of the following year.
Stop it Styrofoam tableware as well as plastic straws, stirrers, forks, knives, spoons and plates. Plastic cups and food containers can still be sold and used for receiving food, but cannot be distributed for eating purposes.
| Control measures | Disposable plastic products | |
| Phase 1, 2024 | Phase 2, initially set for 2025 | |
| Stop selling and free distributed |
– cotton buds – balloon sticks – inflatable cheer sticks – glow sticks – party hats – Oxo-degradable plastic products (subject to availability) – umbrella bag – chopsticks – plastic toothpicks |
– multipack rings – tablecloths – dental floss with plastic stem |
| Stop by for free distributed |
– hotel and guesthouse toiletries (including plastic-handled toothbrushes, plastic-filled toothpaste, shower caps, razors, nail files, combs, as well as shampoos, body washes, conditioners, body lotions and hand sanitizers packaged in disposable plastic containers) and plastic bottled water provided in hotel rooms – Plastic wrapped tissue paper for promotional use – use transparent non-medical gloves |
– earplugs |
| prohibition PROdUCER |
– Oxo-degradable plastic products (subject to availability) | |
If a restaurant or hotel breaks the rules, they are warned in writing to make improvements within 10 days.
If the business fails to comply after the 10-day period, it is issued a HK$2,000 penalty.
EPD also said, “During the same period, written warnings were issued in relation to 475 cases of suspected non-compliance, and responsible persons of 42 premises were issued fixed penalty notices of $2,000 each for failure to take specific corrective actions despite prior warnings.”
He added that the irregularities were subsequently corrected by the premises in question.
Plastic is harmful as it degrades into toxic microplastics, which damage ecosystems, enter the food chain and leach chemicals linked to cancer.
Plastic, derived from fossil fuels, is difficult to produce and recycle in an environmentally friendly way and often affects wildlife. Animals and marine life often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in plastic waste.
No sign of stage 2
The second phase of the law was supposed to come out last year, with single-use tablecloths, multi-pack rings and dental floss with plastic stems to be banned from sale and free distribution. Meanwhile, hotels would be banned from handing out free corkage.
However, EPD told HKFP that they are still gathering information on the performance of non-plastic alternatives.
“In reviewing the implementation of the second phase of the Regulation, the EPD will carefully assess the maturity, availability and affordability of relevant non-plastic alternatives, with the aim of striking a balance between environmental protection and sustainable trade development,” the spokesperson said.
They said the department launched a “Non-Plastic Container Trial Program” in mid-August 2025 to openly invite restaurants to participate in the trial use of different types of non-plastic containers and provide feedback.
“Responses received so far reflected that containers used to serve items such as sauces, soups and beverages require a higher standard of safety and sealing performance,” EPD said, adding that further improvement of alternative products is needed.
It is not the first time that the authorities are hesitant about their green initiatives.
Last year, the government indefinitely suspended municipal solid waste charging due to public backlash. A legal framework for designated and paid waste bags was established – after decades of debate – as part of a “pay as you throw” system. But in July, the head of the environment said in public didn’t like the scheme “for now”.
