Hong Kong arrivals meet plastic everywhere in quarantine hotels: Remote controls are wrapped in cellophane, pillows are encased in plastic bags, and food comes with plastic cutlery.

Hong Kong’s strict quarantine policies - intended to halt Covid-19 at the border and in the community - have been criticised for damaging the economy and mental health. Environmentalists say the policies are also hurting the environment by generating excess waste.

"Every single one of the staff members here...