Starting Today, 'Single-Use Cup Deposit System' Implemented in Sejong and Jeju

Minister Han Hwa-jin of the Ministry of Environment visited a cafe in Jeju City in September that uses reusable cups, drank a beverage using a reusable cup, and experienced the cup return process. (Photo by Ministry of Environment)

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Ministry of Environment announced that starting from the 2nd, a deposit system for disposable cups will be implemented in Sejong Special Self-Governing City and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

The disposable cup deposit system is a scheme where a resource circulation deposit of 300 won is separately charged when selling beverages in disposable cups, and the deposit is refunded when the used disposable cup is returned.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the total number of stores subject to the disposable cup deposit system in Sejong and Jeju areas is 522 (173 in Sejong, 349 in Jeju). As of this date, 96 stores exclusively using reusable cups are excluded from the deposit system implementation.

Consumers can return disposable cups at collection machines installed in public places in the two regions or at stores and receive their deposit refund.

When returning a disposable cup, consumers should empty the contents, remove accessories such as lids and straws, and then scan their own serial number (barcode) and the disposable cup’s serial number according to the instructions on the collection machine screen. The deposit is transferred to the account registered by the consumer through the 'Resource Circulation Deposit' application (app).

The Ministry of Environment stated, "To strengthen participation in the deposit system, we plan to expand the number of collection machines to 40 locations each in Sejong City and Jeju City," and added, "We will operate dedicated regional consultation centers to resolve difficulties faced by consumers and stores."