It also proposed eliminating the practice of giving out free umbrella sleeves and suggested greater regulation of the distribution of disposable bags in supermarkets, according to a report released yesterday regarding public engagement on the control of single-use plastics.

The council put forward 24 recommendations across five key areas after conducting dozens of engagement events and phone surveys last year.

Its main suggestion was to increase the levy on plastic bags to HK$1 or HK$2. Additionally, the council proposed banning the sale of several single-use plastic products such as disposable tableware sold at retail outlets, plastic-stemmed cotton buds, inflatable cheer sticks and party balloon sticks.

Many survey respondents believe plastic bags shouldn't be handed out freely for the storage of frozen or chilled goods since most frozen or chilled goods are already in airtight packaging. Some also commented the plastic serves no real function in this context as it cannot prevent condensation or maintain cool temperatures.

However, many respondents said the use of plastic bags for non-packaged food like raw meat, fresh fish and vegetables should continue.

The council's chairman Lam Ching-choi said the final increase of the levy would be determined by authorities and hoped the distribution of single-use plastics can be well under control in three years' time.

In response to the report, the government said it welcomed all the recommendations put forward by the council.

Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing said he will brief the Legislative Council's Panel on Environmental Affairs on April 25 and respond to any further questions.

"The epidemic in the past two years has changed the lifestyle of many members of the public, including their dining habits which caused a surge in plastic waste," Wong said.

"Taking into account the council's recommendations and the public's concern, we will formulate a plan to implement the recommendations as soon as possible. We will also consider speeding up a reduction in the use of plastic products and proactively regulate single-use plastic items."

Meanwhile, environmental group The Green Earth said the suggestions listed in the report remain relatively conceptual and offer no concrete plans that will translate easily into legislation.

The group's spokesman said authorities should offer clear definitions on terms such as degradable, recyclable and reusable products, adding there needs to be a clear timetable.

However, the spokesman said the group agrees with the levy increase overall and advised the public to carry their own reusable shopping bags to avoid shelling out extra coins for a plastic bag.