Hong Kong wet markets still handing out plastic bags freely despite higher HK$1 levy, checks show
- Post check at two wet markets finds almost all shoppers using plastic bags for purchases of seafood and poultry
- Sharp drop in distribution of plastic bags since levy doubled, environment authorities say
Hong Kong authorities have reported a sharp drop in the number of plastic bags distributed since a levy on their usage was doubled to HK$1 (13 US cents) late last year, but a check by the Post shows little change at some wet markets.
A green group said it was too early to determine whether having to pay more had led shoppers to cut their use of plastic bags drastically.
The levy was doubled in December after remaining at 50 HK cents per bag for 14 years.
Shoppers must pay for every bag they use for groceries, but not for takeaway items or loose, unpackaged foodstuff. They are limited to one free bag for every purchase or order.
A Post check at two wet markets in Causeway Bay on Friday found almost all shoppers using plastic bags for their purchases of seafood and poultry, even though most had their own bags or trolleys.
Over a two-hour period, the scene at seven greengrocers was the same – all handed out free bags even though items such as broccolini, mushrooms and okra were wrapped.
One saleswoman, who asked not to be named, said the stall provided free bags to customers who wanted them, even for already packaged items, to prevent dripping water.