Reusable Tableware Lending Programme for Large-scale Events
The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) and the Environmental Protection Department, funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, has launched the “Reusable Tableware Lending Programme for Large-scale Events” (the Programme) by providing free delivery, collection and cleaning services of tableware to large-scale event organisers since December 2018. The objectives of the Programme 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.
The reusable tableware provided by the ECC under the Reusable Tableware Lending Programme for Large-scale Events includes bowls, plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks and chopsticks. Their sizes are as follows:
Large-scale event organisers may apply to use the tableware free of charge. For each event, the minimum number on loan is 500 pieces of tableware in total. Interested parties should complete the application form and return it to the ECC Secretariat by email (ecc@eeb.gov.hk), or fax (2909 9514), or mail (5/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
For any enquiries, please contact the ECC Secretariat at 2835 1258.
What kind of criteria should the event or organisation meet so as to apply for the reusable tableware lending services provided by the ECC?
When should an applicant organisation submit the application?
The event should be a large-scale event and open for public participation. Generally speaking, all charitable organisations, business entities and government departments can apply for the services.
Is there any limit on the number of tableware to be applied at a time?For each event, the minimum number on loan is 500 pieces of tableware in total (e.g. 500 plastic cups or 250 bowls and 250 spoons), while the quantity available for loan is about 5,000 for each type of tableware.
Do the applicant organisations need to compensate for any damaged/lost tableware on loan?Applicants should adopt appropriate measures to prevent damages or loss of reusable tableware, including but not limited to the deployment of sufficient manpower and/or volunteers to oversee the distribution and collection of such tableware before and after use on the event day. In the event that over 3% of the total amount of reusable tableware on loan is damaged or lost, the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) will recover the production cost of the damaged/lost item(s) from the applicant organisation according to the following price schedule:
- Bowl $ 5.00 / piece
- Plastic Cup $ 6.50 / piece
- Plate $ 8.00 / piece
- Spoon $ 2.00 / piece
- Fork $ 3.00 / piece
- Chopsticks $ 3.50 / pair
When should an applicant organisation submit the application?
An applicant organisation should submit the application at least 3 weeks but not more than 6 months before the event day. Under normal circumstances, the application will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis. It is entirely within the ECC Secretariat’s discretion to decide whether the application is approved and the quantities of reusable tableware to be distributed.
How can an applicant organisation know the application result?The ECC Secretariat will send an email to confirm the application result within one month upon receipt of the application form. Where necessary, the Secretariat may also call the contact person of the applicant organisation to discuss the date of delivery/collection or the number of tableware to be provided.
Will the service be cancelled in the event of any adverse weather?In case of a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is in force 5 hours before the delivery or collection time, the delivery or collection service will be cancelled. The service provider engaged by the ECC will contact the applicant organisation for alternative arrangement.
