Macau will ban the imports of disposable plastic knives, forks and spoons, except biodegradable plastic tableware, starting from 2023, according to an executive order of the Chief Executive published in the Official Gazette today (Monday).
Following the publication of the CE dispatch, the Environmental Protection Bureau also said in a statement today, “Ensuring the environmental quality of Macau, the Macau SAR Government is gradually enforcing rules to reduce the use of plastic.” Biodegradable Plate
The bureau would also hold seminars later to further explain the scope of this ban to the related businesses so that this new measure can be “effectively” implemented, the statement read.
Local authorities have talked about the possibility of prohibiting disposable plastic knives, forks and spoons for some time since the imports of disposable, non-biodegradable plastic straws and beverage stirrers were banned at the start of this year.
As part of the city’s plan to reduce the use of plastic, a plastic bag charge—MOP1 per bag—has also been implemented here since November 2019 to encourage local consumers to develop the habit of shopping with their own bags.
Straw Tableware According to a written reply to legislators’ enquiries published last week, the Environmental Protection Bureau said they have inspected more than 15,000 local merchants in the past two years and more about the implementation of the plastic bag charge, received 52 relevant complaints and found three cases of breaches.