23rd December 2024 – (Hong Kong) The six-month adaptation period for Hong Kong’s new regulations on disposable plastic products concluded two months ago, and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is now intensifying its efforts to ensure compliance. Since the regulations took effect on 21st October, the EPD has received 62 complaints regarding non-compliance, all of which have been investigated.
A spokesperson for the EPD noted that, overall, the trade has adapted to the new requirements, making necessary adjustments to their operations. Despite this, 33 of the reported cases remained non-compliant even after multiple rounds of educational outreach and warnings. The EPD has issued written warnings to those responsible, requiring them to rectify their practices within 10 working days. Failure to comply will result in fixed penalty notices.
So far, the EPD has issued penalties of HK$2,000 to two catering establishments that continued to violate the regulations despite prior warnings. The department is committed to ongoing follow-ups on these cases and aims to engage with both the trade and the public to promote a culture of sustainability and low-carbon living.
The EPD spokesperson emphasised that most non-compliance issues have been addressed swiftly, with only two instances requiring further action. Moving forward, the EPD plans to maintain its educational initiatives while rigorously addressing any ongoing violations to foster a “plastic-and-disposable-free” environment in Hong Kong.
