Officials say they're planning to double the levy stores must charge for plastic bags to HK$1 from December 31.

The government is set to table a motion on doubling the plastic bag levy at the Legislative Council on October 19, and a vote is expected. That would pave the way for the higher levy to take effect at the end of the year.

In a paper submitted to the legislature on Thursday, the Environment and Ecology Bureau said it expects a 25 percent drop in plastic bag disposal after the measure takes effect.

Authorities also suggested removing the levy exemptions for chilled or frozen food, as well as food items fully wrapped in non-airtight packaging.

While the levy does not apply to takeaway food or unpackaged food items, each purchase or order will be limited to one free plastic bag.

Some lawmakers and green groups had called for an increase in the levy to HK$2 to have a stronger deterrent effect.