[Wando=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, has expanded regulations on the use of disposable items in convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants since November 24, and is launching focused publicity and guidance targeting local businesses to establish the system.
According to the county, following the enforcement of the amended "Enforcement Rules of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources," revised and promulgated on December 31 last year, disposable plastic bags, which were previously banned only in large-scale stores, are now prohibited from being sold in convenience stores, supermarkets (over 33㎡), bakeries, and others.
The use of disposable paper cups, disposable plastic straws, and stirring sticks is completely banned in cafes and restaurants.
However, the Ministry of Environment is operating a one-year "participatory guidance period" to minimize confusion on site. During this one-year guidance period, businesses must comply with the relevant laws except in unavoidable cases due to consumer demands or business circumstances.
Accordingly, the county plans to continuously promote the regulations through visits to the businesses and various media such as the county website and SNS.
A county official said, "Since the increase in food delivery use after COVID-19, the rise in disposable items has caused serious environmental damage," adding, "We ask for active participation not only from businesses but also from residents to establish this system."
Wando=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil alwatros@asiae.co.kr
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