"Environmental Protection" vs "Excessive Measures": Cafe 'Single-Use Cup Deposit System' Implemented from June

From June 10, Deposit Required for Disposable Cups at Cafes... Expected 200-500 Won
Experts Say Incentive System Like Discounts for Bringing Tumblers Is More Effective

Citizens are drinking beverages using disposable cups such as plastic cups. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Starting in June, a deposit system for disposable cups will be implemented at coffee shops and fast-food outlets, sparking growing consumer backlash. While there is agreement on the purpose of environmental protection, critics argue that mandating deposits is excessive. There is also criticism that imposing deposits only on disposable cups, without separate regulations on delivery containers and food packaging, is inappropriate.

However, some argue that this is an unavoidable measure for environmental protection given the increase in plastic waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts expressed concern that forcibly imposing environmental-related costs could actually increase consumer dissatisfaction.

Earlier, on the 18th, the Ministry of Environment announced the 2022 work plans of the Climate Carbon Policy Office and the Resource Circulation Bureau, stating that they will implement systems to reduce waste increased by COVID-19 and other factors.

Accordingly, from June 10 this year, a deposit system will be implemented for disposable cups (plastic or paper cups) used for packaging sales at coffee shops, fast-food outlets, and similar establishments.

Consumers purchasing beverages such as coffee in disposable cups will have to pay an additional deposit on top of the beverage price. The deposit will be between 200 and 500 won per cup. When the used disposable cup is returned to the store, the deposit will be refunded. Collected disposable cups will be sent to specialized recycling companies for recycling.

The so-called 'disposable cup deposit system' will apply to businesses operating 100 or more stores selling beverages like coffee, and is expected to be applied to about 38,000 stores nationwide.

The trash can is full of disposable cups. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB.

There is considerable public dissatisfaction with this policy. While people understand it as an unavoidable measure for environmental protection, they point out that it causes significant inconvenience to consumers.

Office worker Kim (30) said, "I agree with the intention to reduce disposable product use, but I think the method is wrong. Instead of charging extra for using disposable cups, wouldn't it be better to provide benefits for using personal tumblers?"

He added, "If we really care about the environment, the urgent task is to reduce excessive packaging at supermarkets rather than charging consumers. Supermarkets sell even a bundle of perilla leaves wrapped in plastic, and meat is packaged in Styrofoam. These should be regulated first."

There are also criticisms that implementing such a policy amid the rapid spread of variants like Omicron is inappropriate.

Previously, the use of disposable plastic cups inside cafes was banned from August 2018, but as COVID-19 spread rapidly in early 2020, local government heads were authorized to allow disposable product use in food service businesses.

On the other hand, some argue that small inconveniences must be accepted as it helps environmental protection. Especially with increased plastic use due to COVID-19, calls for participation in environmental protection activities are growing.

Another office worker, Jung (26), said, "I order delivery food more than three times a week, and there is so much disposable waste each time that sometimes I even feel guilty. It may be inconvenient at first, but over time, citizens will adapt and it will greatly help the environment."

According to the environmental civic group Green Korea United, the production volume of delivery and takeout containers in 2020 was 110,957 tons, a 19.7% increase from the previous year (92,695 tons). Converted to disposable coffee cups (14g each), this corresponds to 7.9255 billion cups.

The 2019 Greenpeace report "Plastic Korea" analyzed that one Korean uses 65 disposable plastic cups annually.

Experts point out that providing clear incentives rather than penalties to consumers would be more helpful. Professor Eunhee Lee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies said, "For environmentally conscious consumption, an 'incentive' approach rather than a 'penalty' approach requiring additional costs can increase consumer participation. For example, offering discounts for bringing a tumbler can actually have a greater effect."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.