According to the Environmental Protection Department, billions of single-use plastic beverage containers are consumed every year in Hong Kong, amounting to more than 200 bottles per person a year 1. The Government released a consultation paper in February 2021 on the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers (PPRS) for the proper and effective management of waste plastic beverage containers, and the consultation period will last until 21 May. As an individual, what should we do before the necessary regulations are in place?
Some people tend to grab a plastic beverage from convenience stores to quench their thirst. That appears too easy and convenient and maybe hygienic. Nevertheless, the environmental cost for their proper disposal and treatment is sizable. All along, PolyU has been promoting a ‘plastic-free’ culture and waste reduction at source. Since September 2017, PolyU has discontinued the sale of bottled water (non-sparkling, unflavoured drinking water in any single-serving plastic bottle of less than 1 litre) in vending machines, convenience stores and catering outlets on Main Campus and hostels. Single-serving bottled water (below 1 litre) are not offered in University activities and events. The Campus Sustainability Office also campaigns the Plastic Free Friday pledge to boost awareness on giving priority to reusables over single-use plastics. Over the years, the University community have shown support and there is already a common consensus that we can no longer ignore the indiscriminate use of single-use plastics.
Reverse vending machines (RVMs) are also available on the PolyU campus to facilitate the University community to return used beverage containers conveniently to enhance plastic recovery quality. These RVMs accept plastic beverage containers that are commonly circulated in the Hong Kong market. Before dropping a container, we have the responsibility to empty the content, rinse it a bit, and make sure the bottle is not deformed. If we can uphold the clean recycling principle, we can help prevent the contamination of an entire load of plastics inside the RVMs and save them from the risk of going straight to the landfills.
What action should we take to help tackle the plastic waste catastrophe? We can be part of the solution and recycle wisely. We can make change happen and gradually reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in our lives and pick reusable options over disposables whenever we can.
1 Environmental Protection Department. Feb 2021. Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers Consultation Paper. Hong Kong.
