"Coffee Shop Straw Piles Disappear"... Mug Cup Use Continues Despite Social Distancing Level 2

Ministry of Environment Signs Voluntary Agreement with Coffee Shops and Fast Food Chains
Cooperates to Reduce Use of Single-Use Items like Plastic Straws and Stirring Sticks
Prepares for the 'Single-Use Cup Deposit System' to be Implemented in June 2022

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] It is expected to become increasingly difficult to find piles of plastic straws in coffee shops in the future. This is because the government and the private sector have signed an agreement to reduce disposable items such as straws.

Additionally, even under the Level 2 social distancing measures due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the use of reusable cups such as mugs and tumblers is mandated in principle.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Environment will sign a voluntary agreement with coffee specialty stores, fast food outlets, and the Resource Circulation Society Solidarity. This agreement aims to promote the use of personal and reusable cups and reduce disposable items such as plastic straws.

The coffee specialty stores participating in the agreement include 15 companies such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean, and Hollys Coffee, while the fast food outlets include 4 companies such as McDonald's and Lotteria.

Notably, this agreement was prepared with the participation of the coffee specialty and fast food industries before the implementation of the 'Disposable Item Usage Regulations by Social Distancing Level' announced at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 20th.

The main points of the agreement are as follows.

Businesses such as coffee specialty stores and fast food outlets participating in the agreement will, in principle, use personal cups or reusable cups inside the store, except in cases following separate quarantine guidelines from the government or local governments.

In this regard, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, hygiene management will be strengthened by thoroughly washing and disinfecting reusable cups, and personal cups will be served with minimal contact.

Efforts will also be made to reduce the use of plastic straws and stirrers, which are currently excluded from disposable item regulations. As of last year, 19 companies used approximately 989 million plastic straws and stirrers (675 tons).

Through this agreement, businesses will avoid stocking plastic straws and stirrers in stores as much as possible and will provide them separately only upon customer request.

Additionally, plans will be made to introduce alternatives such as replacing straws and stirrers with paper or other materials or modifying existing cup lids to allow drinking without straws.

Ahead of the implementation of the disposable cup deposit system (June 10, 2022), active efforts will be made for smooth establishment of the system, including designation of standard containers and establishment of collection systems.

The Ministry of Environment will devise support measures such as awarding and promoting excellent companies that faithfully implement the agreement and will strengthen cooperation with the industry to ensure the voluntary agreement is effective.

Hong Dong-gon, Director of Resource Circulation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Although conditions are difficult due to COVID-19, we hope this agreement will once again serve as an opportunity to reduce disposable items and promote the use of personal and reusable cups."

Asia Economy DB=Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Earlier, the Ministry of Environment prepared guidelines for disposable item usage regulations according to social distancing levels, which will be applied from the 1st of next month.

According to this plan, under Level 1 social distancing, disposable item usage regulations in food service establishments will be maintained, requiring the use of personal cups and reusable containers.

From Level 1.5 to Level 2.5 social distancing, the use of reusable containers is also the principle. However, establishments may provide disposable items upon customer request.

At the highest Level 3 social distancing, local government heads will have the discretion to allow the provision of disposable items or exempt usage regulations. This allows flexible operation depending on regional circumstances.