From Australia to Japan: Examining BYO Policies Worldwide

BYO initiatives are widely embraced and endorsed as key strategies to mitigate pollution stemming from single-use plastics and bioplastics across various countries. Unlike the United States, where numerous prohibitions exist, BYO practices are liberally supported by both federal and municipal governments worldwide.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND:

Notes from Erin Rhoads of ByoContainers.org (Australia):

In Australia, while there isn’t explicit endorsement for reusables in the food code, businesses are allowed to utilize packaging materials suitable for their intended use, ensuring they do not cause contamination during the packaging process (source). Notably, the Australian State of South Australia has relieved retailers of liability concerns regarding customers’ use of their own containers (source). See the news report from ABC here.

CANADA:

According to Michelle Brake of Canadian non-profit Mind Your Plastic, no Canadian province prohibits the use of reusable containers. The Canadian Food Retail and Food Services Code mandates reusable packaging to be food grade, durable, and clean. Notably, Toronto has enacted an ordinance making BYO acceptance for beverage cups and shopping bags a requirement as of March 1, 2024 (source).

FRANCE:

In France, the reusable container can be provided by the retailer or brought by the consumer, contingent upon cleanliness and suitability for the product purchased.. Commercial catering establishments are required to offer reusable or recyclable containers for takeaway food or beverages (source).

ITALY:

Italian law allows BYO. See source in Italian. The particular BYO code is highlighted. 

SINGAPORE:

Singapore encourages BYO practices through initiatives such as the BYO Container Scheme (source).

HONG KONG:

The Hong Kong government launched the “Bring Your Own Containers (BYOC) Eateries” Scheme to reduce disposable plastic container use (source).

TAIWAN:

Taiwan’s government supports BYO with incentives such as discounts for using personal containers for beverage purchases (source).  See citizens’ Youtube videos on BYO actions here, here, here, and here.

SOUTH KOREA:

The City of Seoul officially promotes BYO for food takeouts, supported by various organizations (source).

JAPAN:

BYO initiatives in Japan are championed by organizations such as Refill Japan (source), supported by government funding. 

BYO Organizations around the World:

Updated: March 25, 2024.