South Korea introducing disposable cup deposits
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South Korea is set to introduce disposable cup deposits at coffee shops and fast-food outlets, starting 2022, in its latest efforts to cut carbon emissions.
Under a set of bills approved in Parliament this week, businesses will factor the deposits into prices and refund the amount when customers return used disposable cups. It usually takes from six months to two years for passed bills to go into effect.
The country’s environment ministry said it plans to set the value of disposable cup deposits based on manufacturing costs and policy needs.
The ministry expects the policy to help reduce carbon emissions by 66 percent by boosting recycling and cutting costs related to waste incineration.
It estimated the economic benefits coming from the plan would total 44.5 billion won (US$36.2 million) each year.
The ministry also plans to minimise the inconvenience by allowing consumers to return the cups anywhere (ie: not from where the cup was purchased) through talks with relevant industries.
Questions & Answers
Q.When will South Korea's disposable cup deposit scheme begin?
When will South Korea's disposable cup deposit scheme begin?
The scheme is set to begin in 2022. However, it usually takes between six months and two years for bills passed in Parliament to come into effect.
Q.How will the value of the disposable cup deposit be determined?
How will the value of the disposable cup deposit be determined?
The country’s environment ministry plans to determine the value of the disposable cup deposits based on the manufacturing costs of the cups and the policy's specific needs.
Q.What are the environmental goals of this new deposit policy?
What are the environmental goals of this new deposit policy?
The environment ministry expects the policy to help reduce carbon emissions by 66 percent. This will be achieved by boosting recycling rates and reducing waste incineration.
Q.Can customers return their disposable cups at any location?
Can customers return their disposable cups at any location?
Yes, the ministry plans to allow consumers to return cups anywhere, not just where they were purchased. This will be arranged through discussions with relevant industries.