Government Unveils Comprehensive Anti-Plastic Policy Plan
Pilot Program Confirms Effectiveness in Reducing Single-Use Waste
It has been analyzed that a pilot project conducted at funeral halls of five major hospitals in Seoul was effective in reducing disposable waste. In light of this, the government plans to implement a policy mandating the use of reusable containers at funeral halls nationwide.
According to industry sources on December 25, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment held a 'Comprehensive Plastic-Free Measures Public Forum' at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 23, where it released the government’s comprehensive action plan.
The measures include ▲the 'Separate Cup Payment System' that displays the price of disposable cups on beverage receipts ▲restrictions on straw usage ▲reduction of disposable items in funeral homes ▲and the gradual increase of waste disposal fees.
In South Korea, the amount of household and business plastic waste is projected to reach 10.12 million tons by 2030, up from 7.714 million tons in 2023. In response, the Ministry has set a goal to reduce plastic waste by 30% compared to projections by 2030, aiming to lower emissions to around 7 million tons. This will be achieved by cutting plastic usage at the source by 1 million tons and securing 2 million tons of recycled materials through the recycling of waste plastics.
Among the areas where the government expects significant reduction effects is the funeral hall sector. In fact, funeral halls nationwide generate 370 million pieces of disposable waste annually, amounting to 2,300 tons. It is estimated that about 20% of all disposable plates in the country are used at funeral halls.
The use of reusable containers at funeral halls was previously piloted at five major hospital funeral halls in Seoul. These include the funeral halls at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul Boramae Hospital, Seoul Metropolitan Dongbu Hospital, and Seoul National Veterans Hospital. With partial financial support from the government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, these funeral halls have been using reusable containers. From 2023 to October of this year, these five funeral halls alone reduced disposable waste by 522 tons.
The reusable containers used at funeral halls are either cleaned using in-house washing equipment or sent to specialized companies for washing and sterilization before being supplied back to the funeral halls. The Ministry plans to review the infrastructure for washing and cooking facilities at funeral halls nationwide, as well as their cost structures, and will comprehensively consider expanding support and the phased implementation of mandatory use of reusable containers. A Ministry official stated, "We are currently considering whether to regulate only funeral halls equipped with full washing and cooking facilities for reusable containers, or to differentiate regulations according to the size of the funeral hall."
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