"Let's Normalize the Disposable Cup Deposit System"... 'Cup Picking' Campaign Nationwide Throughout August

Environmental organizations, civic groups, and small business owners are holding a press conference condemning the Ministry of Environment's withdrawal of single-use product regulations. Photo by Asia Economy DB

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements announced on the 1st that, together with 19 organizations and groups nationwide, it will launch the "National Cup Picking Month for Normalization of the Disposable Cup Deposit System" campaign. Throughout August, they plan to collect discarded disposable cups from streets across the country and raise public awareness of the need to normalize the deposit system.

In 2020, an amendment to the "Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources" led to the introduction of the "disposable cup deposit system," which allows consumers to receive a deposit refund when returning used disposable cups. Although nationwide implementation was scheduled for June 2022, the system is currently being piloted only in two regions: Sejong and Jeju.

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements pointed out, "This year, as the pilot operation ends, the Ministry of Environment has proposed an 'improvement plan' that leaves the system to the discretion of local governments and businesses, rather than normalizing it." They emphasized, "This is effectively a regression of the system and a decision that undermines the purpose of the deposit system, which was established through social consensus." They added, "The disposable cup deposit system is not simply about getting cups back. It is the starting point for transitioning to a society that fundamentally reduces plastic and promotes reuse, and it is an important foundation for expanding the use of reusable containers and the PET bottle deposit system in the future."