No More Using Plastic Straws Starting November!

Gangseo-gu Conducts On-site Inspection of Single-use Item Usage Regulations
Targeting Over 9,000 Food Service Establishments Including Cafes and Restaurants Until November
Inspection of Single-use Items Usage Such as Paper Cups and Plastic Umbrella Covers and Promotion of Related Regulations
Up to 3 Million KRW Fine Imposed on Business Owners Using Single-use Items After Guidance Period Ends

Gangseo-gu, Seoul, will take the lead in creating a 'Zero Single-Use Items Gangseo' by conducting on-site guidance to inform food service establishments about regulations on the use of disposable items such as paper cups until November.

This initiative aims to promote the 'Single-Use Items Usage Regulation,' which will be fully enforced from November to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and to encourage active participation from the private sector.

The district will conduct on-site inspections with reduction consultants, checking the usage status of disposable items at about 9,000 food service establishments such as cafes and restaurants in the area, and provide guidance on the usage regulations.

Through this, it is expected to prevent confusion caused by strengthened penalties as the guidance period for the single-use items usage regulation comes to an end.

A district official said, "We will conduct on-site inspections to guide business owners and residents on related matters to prevent confusion as the guidance period for the single-use items usage regulation ends," and added, "We ask for residents' active cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the strengthened single-use items usage regulation."

Following the amendment of the 'Resource Recycling Act' last November, the items regulated for single-use items in stores have expanded beyond paper cups to include plastic straws, disposable plastic cups, and others, restricting the use of 18 items. Additionally, the provision of bags and shopping bags has been strengthened from 'prohibition of free provision' to 'prohibition of use.' However, a participatory guidance period has been in operation for one year since November 24 last year to establish the system.

From November 24, when the guidance period ends, business owners (store owners) using regulated single-use items may be fined up to 3 million KRW.

Depending on the violation, fines ranging from 50,000 to 1 million KRW may be imposed, and if further violations are detected after the fine is imposed, up to 3 million KRW may be charged depending on the number of violations.