[Asia Economy (Seongnam) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province will once again restrict the use of disposable items inside food service establishments such as coffee shops and fast food outlets.
Seongnam City had temporarily allowed the provision of disposable items in food service establishments since February 12 last year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, due to the uncontrollable increase in household waste caused by this, the city announced on the 23rd that it will restrict the use of disposable items again in line with the phased transition to daily recovery (With COVID-19).
The disposable items subject to restriction include plastic cups, plastic plates and containers, and wooden chopsticks.
The city has set a guidance period until the 31st of next month and will promote the regulation of disposable item use through social networking services (SNS) and other channels.
Starting from January next year, the city will conduct inspections and enforce regulations on disposable item use, including imposing fines.
A city official stated, "Although everyone is facing difficult conditions due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, if reusable items are properly cleaned, disinfected, and provided, it will be possible to reduce the amount of disposable waste and prevent the spread of infectious diseases," and urged active cooperation from food service establishments and citizens.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
