Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) Director Raymond Tam Vai Man said yesterday that the government is planning to ban the import of non-biodegradable single-use plastic plates, plastic cups and disposable Styrofoam plates after banning the import of throw-away knives, forks and spoons, from the beginning of next year.

Tam made the remarks on the sidelines of this year’s Macao Green Hotel Award ceremony held at the DSPA headquarters, adding that his bureau will focus on waste reduction in the coming year.

The local government has banned the import of disposable Styrofoam meal boxes, bowls and cups since January 1, 2021, while the import of non-biodegradable single-use plastic drinking straws and drink stirrers has been banned since January 1, 2022.

Tam stressed that he would only promote waste reduction when alternatives become available, and that the industry was basically supportive, adding he believed that the measures could be implemented smoothly.

Tam said that the cumulative number of car charging bays in public car parks across Macau now stands at over 2,200, of which about 1,200 are temporarily open for use, mainly to balance the use of public parking spaces by e-vehicles and petrol-driven vehicles, adding that the bureau has been liaising closely with power utility CEM and the Transport Bureau (DSAT) to open up more charging spaces as appropriate.

When asked by reporters about some charging bays that apparently are not working, Tam responded that it was often due to vehicle problems, as some of the charging bays are not suitable for certain vehicles, or the charging capacity is limited.

Tam also reminded that CEM’s contact numbers are displayed at the charging bays, so that users can report the situation right away. 

Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) Director Raymond Tam Vai Man talks to reporters on the sidelines of this year’s Macao Green Hotel Award ceremony at the DSPA headquarters yesterday. – Photo: Ginnie Liang