HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong has long been a major producer and consumer of great food, and a great amount of plastic and Styrofoam to go with it.
That’s going to change as new legislation aiming to stop the sale and distribution of Styrofoam products and single-use plastic cutlery went into effect on Monday.
Under the new law, single-use cutlery such as forks, spoons, straws and plates cannot be sold or distributed for both dine-in and takeaway customers. However, plastic food containers and cups can still be given out for takeaways.
The regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products in Hong Kong aims to reduce their use at the source to cut down on pollution, Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department said in an emailed response to The Associated Press.
Restaurants were given a six-month grace period. A second phase of the ban, expected next year, will ban all single-use plastics including containers for both dine-in and takeaway.
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
Bethune scores early and the Spirit holds on for 2
Maine governor's vetoes sustained while lawmakers address late spending proposals
Kansas' governor has killed proposed limits on foreign land ownership
Candice Swanepoel stuns in a form
Mysterious colorful boxes with letters attached to them wash up on beaches
1 of 3 teens charged with killing a Colorado woman while throwing rocks at cars pleads guilty
Win for Nice, draw for Brest keeps both clubs in fight for French Champions League spot
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Ringleader of extreme body modifications cult who made £300,000 from his pay
Dodgers acquire pitcher Yohan Ramírez from Mets for cash
Louisiana court may reopen window for lawsuits by adult victims of childhood sex abuse