Ministry of Environment Withdraws Paper Cup Usage Restriction... Continues Use of Plastic Straws

The government has decided not to ban the use of disposable paper cups in restaurants. The use of plastic straws in cafes and plastic bags in convenience stores will also not be regulated. From now on, paper cups can be used even when drinking beverages inside cafes. The government explained that this decision considered the burden on small business owners amid high inflation and high interest rates, but there is criticism that the policy to reduce disposable product usage has regressed.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Environment announced the withdrawal of the ban on disposable paper cup use in food service businesses such as restaurants and cafes, as well as collective catering facilities. The ban on disposable plastic straws and stirring sticks in food service businesses has effectively had its guidance period extended indefinitely. These two measures were part of additional disposable product regulations implemented on November 24 last year, with a one-year guidance period during which enforcement and fines of up to 3 million KRW for violations were not imposed.

At a briefing that day, Lim Sang-jun, Vice Minister of Environment, stated, "Even after the one-year guidance period, sufficient social consensus within the community was not reached," and added, "It is not the government's duty to impose another burden through regulations on small business owners and self-employed individuals who are suffering from rising costs, high inflation, high interest rates, and a difficult economic situation." He further explained, "The burden has increased as additional staff must be hired to wash reusable cups or dishwashers must be installed," and noted, "Our country is the only one regulating paper cups."

On the 1st, a coffee shop in downtown Seoul has both mugs and disposable cups placed together. The Ministry of Environment plans to enforce a ban on the use of disposable cups inside stores starting from the 1st. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Regarding the ban on plastic straws, he pointed out that although paper straws, which are alternatives, are 2.5 times more expensive, consumer satisfaction is low. He explained that there is a double burden of having to stock expensive straws and also face conflicts with customers. The Ministry of Environment plans to continue encouraging the use of reusable cups and expand recycling as alternatives to banning paper cups.

No end date has been set for the guidance period on the ban of plastic straws and stirring sticks. The guidance period will end when the quality of alternatives improves and prices stabilize. The specific timing will be decided later, considering the market situation of alternatives and international trends, including the United Nations Plastic Treaty.

There is criticism that the Ministry of Environment’s recent measures effectively amount to the government giving up on regulating disposable products. Setting a guidance period to establish regulations and then stating that "it was confirmed that it is difficult to enforce the regulations during the guidance period" is seen as an irresponsible attitude for the competent ministry.

In response, the Ministry of Environment plans to promptly prepare support measures so that small business owners can participate in reducing disposable product use without burden. Stores willing to participate in reducing disposable products will receive support for costs necessary for using reusable items such as reusable cups and dishwashers, and outstanding participating stores will be given preferential conditions when selected and supported in small business support projects, in collaboration with related ministries such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.