Ministry of Environment Revises Notice on 'Exemptions from Single-Use Product Usage Regulations'
[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Starting this April, drinking coffee served in disposable plastic cups inside cafes will be prohibited. The temporary allowance for using disposable plastic cups was made to prevent infections amid the spread of COVID-19, but this will now be banned again. Additionally, from November this year, the use of plastic straws will also be restricted.
On the 6th, the Ministry of Environment announced a revision and notification of the 'Exemptions from Disposable Product Usage Regulations' containing these details.
This revision was prepared to reduce indiscriminate use of disposable products amid increasing waste generation due to changes in consumer culture and the impact of COVID-19. After local governments allowed the use of disposable products in food service establishments during the pandemic, general restaurants continued to use reusable spoons and bowls, but cafes were still using disposable cups, raising the need to restore disposable product usage regulations for food service businesses.
According to the Ministry of Environment, the amount of plastic waste processed at local government public sorting centers last year increased by 19% compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Until now, under the 'Exemptions from Disposable Product Usage Regulations' notification, local governments could temporarily allow the use of disposable products inside food service establishments such as cafes during infectious disease outbreaks. However, from April 1, disposable products will no longer be allowed, returning to pre-COVID-19 regulations. A grace period will be provided reflecting industry opinions.
Along with this, the 'Enforcement Rules' newly adding paper cups, plastic straws, and stirring sticks made of plastic to the list of regulated items will take effect from November 24 this year.
Furthermore, plastic bags, which are currently banned in large stores (over 3,000㎡) and supermarkets (over 165㎡), will also be prohibited in convenience stores and bakeries. The use of plastic umbrella covers in large stores will be banned, and plastic cheering items will be prohibited in sports facilities.
Hong Dong-gon, Director of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Disposable products are convenient for immediate use but cause large amounts of waste and environmental pollution, hindering the transition to a circular economy society. We ask for the interest and efforts of related industries and the public to ensure that these revised regulations to reduce disposable product use are well implemented in the field."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
