Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Melvin Yong asked if the government plans to ban disposable plastic cups in bubble tea shops, coffee joints, and fast food restaurants, citing Taiwan's 2022 ban as an example.
Grace Fu responded that reusables are more environmentally friendly and all disposables, including plastic, paper, and degradable materials, have environmental impacts.
The Ministry currently has no plans to ban disposable cups but promotes reusable alternatives through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, encouraging incentives and charges for disposables.
F&B establishments are encouraged to offer incentives for customers using reusable containers and to charge extra for disposable ones.
The public is urged to use reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages.

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Melvin Yong Yik Chye

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry has plans to ban the use of disposable plastic cups by bubble tea shops, coffee joints and fast food restaurants, similar to Taiwan's ban implemented with effect from 1 December 2022 aimed at reducing the use of plastic cups nationwide.

Grace Fu Hai Yien

Reusables remain the more environmentally friendly option to conserve our limited resources and reduce waste. All types of disposables, regardless of whether they are made of plastic, paper or degradable materials, have an impact on the environment during their production, transportation and disposal.

While we currently do not have plans to ban the use of disposable cups, the National Environment Agency launched a nation-wide "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign in 2019 to promote the use of reusables. As part of the campaign, many food and beverage (F&B) establishments have taken the lead to offer incentives to customers who bring their own reusable cups or containers. Some F&B establishments also charge customers extra for the use of disposable containers. We encourage the public to use reusable containers when purchasing takeaway food and beverages.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Melvin Yong asked if the government plans to ban disposable plastic cups in bubble tea shops, coffee joints, and fast food restaurants, citing Taiwan's 2022 ban as an example.
Grace Fu responded that reusables are more environmentally friendly and all disposables, including plastic, paper, and degradable materials, have environmental impacts.
The Ministry currently has no plans to ban disposable cups but promotes reusable alternatives through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, encouraging incentives and charges for disposables.
F&B establishments are encouraged to offer incentives for customers using reusable containers and to charge extra for disposable ones.
The public is urged to use reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants | PAPERCUTS

Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Melvin Yong asked if the government plans to ban disposable plastic cups in bubble tea shops, coffee joints, and fast food restaurants, citing Taiwan's 2022 ban as an example.
Grace Fu responded that reusables are more environmentally friendly and all disposables, including plastic, paper, and degradable materials, have environmental impacts.
The Ministry currently has no plans to ban disposable cups but promotes reusable alternatives through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, encouraging incentives and charges for disposables.
F&B establishments are encouraged to offer incentives for customers using reusable containers and to charge extra for disposable ones.
The public is urged to use reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Melvin Yong Yik Chye

Grace Fu Hai Yien

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Melvin Yong asked if the government plans to ban disposable plastic cups in bubble tea shops, coffee joints, and fast food restaurants, citing Taiwan's 2022 ban as an example.
Grace Fu responded that reusables are more environmentally friendly and all disposables, including plastic, paper, and degradable materials, have environmental impacts.
The Ministry currently has no plans to ban disposable cups but promotes reusable alternatives through the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, encouraging incentives and charges for disposables.
F&B establishments are encouraged to offer incentives for customers using reusable containers and to charge extra for disposable ones.
The public is urged to use reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Melvin Yong Yik Chye

Grace Fu Hai Yien

Summary

Questions Identified

Plans to Ban Use of Disposable Plastic Cups by Bubble Tea Shops, Coffee Joints and Fast Food Restaurants

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Melvin Yong Yik Chye

Grace Fu Hai Yien

Summary

Questions Identified