HK Government Launches Free Reusable Tableware Lending Programme For Event Organisers

Hong Kong’s Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), has launched the “Reusable Tableware Lending Programme for Large-scale Events,” aimed at combatting plastic waste and single-use disposables. The government scheme generously offers  free delivery, collection and cleaning services of tableware for large-scale event organisers in the city. 

The programme’s objectives archeme are to minimise the use of disposable tableware in large-scale events, enhance public awareness on the seriousness of disposable plastic waste and encourage them to practise waste reduction at source.

An ECC spokesman stated that Hong Kong said that a variety of large-scale events are held in Hong Kong every year, and many serve food and drinks in single-use plastic containers for convenience’s sake, adding a large and unnecessary waste burden to the city’s landfills. 

To promote a ‘reuse’ mentality, the ECC, along with the EPD, have sponsored the production of  5,000 sets of reusable tableware. Each set features a bowl, a water cup, a spoon, a fork and a pair of chopsticks. The sets are available to event organisers for free. In addition to providing pickup and delivery, the ECC is working with a tableware cleaning and sterilisation service contractor to ensure the scheme complies with relevant hygiene standards. 

Organisers can now apply for the lending served based on their specific event requirements by downloading the application form and returning it by email. Enquiries can also be made by phone. 

As part of their commitment to support the United Nations “Beat Plastic Pollution” campaign, which debuted earlier this year on World Environment Day, the ECC has championed various activities designed to encourage citizens and businesses to refuse single-use plastic and rethink our reliance on disposables. Efforts include the “NO Disposables Campus Award”, plastic-free online games and the “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” Campaign. More info can be found on the ECC website. 

ECC Secretariat Contact Info:

5/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Phone: +852 2835 1258; email: ecc@epd.gov.hk.

Images courtesy of Pexels (lead) and Hong Kong’s Environmental Campaign Committee.