As the full implementation of plastic shopping bag charging at all retail outlets will start from April 1, Secretary for the Environment KS Wong reminds people to carry their own reusable shopping bags.
Speaking at ceremony to launch the initiative, Mr Wong said the new measure will involve more than 100,000 retail outlets.
Starting April 1, all retail outlets must charge customers not less than 50 cents for each plastic bag, with some exemptions.
Charges will be exempted for bags using to contain a food item that is unpackaged, contained in non-airtight packaging or in a frozen or chilled state, and those used for pre-packaging of goods.
He urged retailers to distribute fewer plastic bags and avoid over-packaging to reduce waste. The income generated from the plastic shopping bag charge should be used for the purposes of supporting environmental protection in Hong Kong.
In the first month after the new measures commence, the Environmental Protection Department will first give verbal warnings to retailers who contravene the legal requirements, before taking enforcement action. Starting from May 1, no prior warnings will be given.
Retailers contravening the requirements may be liable to a fixed penalty of $2,000 or even prosecution.
Mr Wong said he will monitor the situation after the new measures commence and adjust the policy accordingly.
