Hong Kong has implemented the first phase of a two-part ban on single-use plastic products at establishments such as hotels, including bottled water, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toiletry kits, razors, nail files, combs, and shower caps. 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.
Despite the ban, a lack of items supplied by the hotel is not a problem for many tourists and business travelers. Australian businessman Marcus Taylor said he always brings his own toothbrush and toothpaste when he travels, especially since many hotels in Europe don’t provide them. He also noted that most things are easily accessible in Hong Kong, making it easy to find what he needs.
A tourist from New York, Jane, said she was familiar with the concept of a plastic ban as the United States had implemented similar schemes. She said it would not affect her experience in Hong Kong and that she is used to bringing travel-size toiletries even when traveling domestically.
A regular business traveler from Shunde in Guangdong province, Zhang, echoed similar sentiments, saying she usually brings her own toiletries when traveling and is happy to contribute to an environmental cause by using less plastic.
Hotels in Hong Kong are adjusting to the ban in various ways. Jack Cheung Ki-tang, a director of CTS HK Metropark Hotels Management, said staff have explained to customers that utensils would not be provided with takeaway food orders at the moment. The hotel rooms would still have bottled water during the grace period, but the hotel is leaning towards providing paper-packaged water in the future. Some rooms have been supplied with wooden toothbrushes and combs, while others are getting plastic ones to clear the firm’s inventory during the grace period. No shower cap alternatives would be provided, but substitutes for plastic razors would be available upon request in the future.
At the WeHotel Kowloon in Yau Ma Tei, guests are informed about the new regulations at check-in and are told that they will not receive single-use toiletries. The hotel previously supplied toothbrushes, razors, bottled water, combs, and shower caps for free, but now guests would have to buy them.
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. They reported that most guests were fine with paying extra for the amenities, but some were caught by surprise and asked when the ban was implemented.
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.
