Tourists, business travellers unfazed by Hong Kong ban on single-use plastics

“But most things are easily accessible in Hong Kong. It’s not difficult to find supermarkets where you can conveniently get what you need.”

“I don’t think my journey has been affected. But it’s absolutely crazy that bottled water is not allowed. It’s something very basic.”

The first of two phases of the ban commenced on Monday and forbids the use of single-use plastic products including bottled water, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toiletry kits, razors, nail files, combs and shower caps at establishments such as hotels.

The second stage will ban free distribution of earplugs and dental floss picks.

Styrofoam products and throwaway plastic utensils such as cutlery and straws are also banned for takeaway purchases at restaurants although a six-month grace period applies.

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A tourist from New York who only gave her name as Jane said she was familiar with the concept of a plastic ban as the United States had implemented similar schemes, and that it would not affect her experience in Hong Kong.

“In the US, it’s so easy to get travel-size toiletries. They’re only like a [US] dollar,” the hospitality worker in her twenties said. “I’m used to bringing that even when travelling domestically.”

She said she did not feel short-changed if hotel toiletries were not provided because it was a global trend to be more environmentally friendly and alternatives were available.

“I wouldn’t say sacrifice, but I understand the need to reduce our plastic usage to reduce carbon footprint. Reusable is the way to go,” she said.

A regular business traveller from Shunde in Guangdong province felt the same way.

“I usually bring my own toiletries when travelling,” said the woman, who works in the clothing industry and only gave her surname, Zhang.

She said she was happy to contribute to an environmental cause by using less plastic.

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Jack Cheung Ki-tang, a director of CTS HK Metropark Hotels Management which operates four properties in the city, said staff had explained to customers that utensils would not be provided with takeaway food orders at the moment.

“Customers show understanding about the ban arrangement. We will also post a notice later that we will charge HK$1 for wooden cutlery when it is available,” Cheung said, adding that supplies were tight.

He said the hotel rooms would still have bottled water during the grace period.

“We are still in discussions with suppliers for glass bottled water or paper-packaged water. However, we are leaning towards providing the latter in the future,” Cheung said.

Some rooms have been supplied with wooden toothbrushes and combs, with the rest getting plastic ones to clear the firm’s inventory during the grace period.

No shower cap alternatives would be provided, Cheung said, but substitutes for plastic razors would be available upon request in the future as the cost was 10 times higher.

At the WeHotel Kowloon in Yau Ma Tei, posters displayed the new regulations and front desk staff were telling guests at check-in that they would not receive single-use toiletries, manager Joyce Ng said.

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The hotel previously supplied toothbrushes, razors, bottled water, combs and shower caps for free, but now guests would have to buy them, at HK$10 for two items.

“Most guests accept the new regulations and have already brought their own toiletries, but bottled water is the most requested item,” she said.

Ng said front desk staff faced greater pressure to explain the regulations and answer queries, and she anticipated a greater workload for them over the weekend peak period.

Front desk staff at Yesinn@YMT hostel in Yau Ma Tei said they previously handed out toothbrushes, bottles of water and disposable slippers upon request, but stopped doing so on Monday.

“Most of our guests were fine with paying extra for the amenities, but some of them were caught by surprise and asked us when it was implemented,” a receptionist said.

Meanwhile, a staff member of the South Pacific Hotel in Wan Chai said they had now switched to placing larger bottles of shampoo and conditioner in rooms to ensure guests were still provided with these amenities.