A Plastic Free Future
According to the latest monitoring of solid waste report by the Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong disposes of 2,369 tonnes of plastic waste in landfills daily, equivalent to the volume of 80 double-decker buses, highlighting the urgent need to reduce plastic waste. Starting April 22, 2024 the ban on single-use plastic products prohibits businesses from providing or selling items like disposable foam tableware, plastic straws, cutlery, cotton swabs, and inflatable cheering sticks. Restaurants are also barred from offering disposable plastic cups and containers for dine-in customers.

Many "green tableware" products use water-based coatings containing small amounts of plastic to resist water and oil, but these differ from biodegradable plastics. Although recyclable and suitable for pulping, proper plastic separation is essential; otherwise, the plastic may end up in the ocean as microplastics.

How can citizens recycle effectively? What obstacles do they face? Could green technology be the key to reducing plastic pollution?