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From April 2022, it is no longer allowed to use disposable plastic cups in cafes

▷ The Ministry of Environment revised the regulations for the use of disposable products such as single-use plastic cups, plates, containers, cutlery in restaurants and cafes. Until now, it has been temporarily allowed to use those items. However, as of April 2022, it will not be allowed to use disposable plastic items in such places.

▷ From November 24, the Ministry will ban using disposable paper cups, plastic straws, and plastic coffee stirrers. It will not be allowed to use disposable plastic bags in general retail businesses such as convenience stores.


Due to the COVID-19 situation, the regulation has temporarily allowed disposable items, including single-use plastic cups. However, from April 1, 2022, it will be banned again to use those plastic products. From November 24, it will be banned to use of disposable paper cups and plastic coffee stirrers.     


The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Jeoung Ae) revised and announced the "Exclusions to the single-use plastic products" on January 6.  

 

Prior to this announcement, the Ministry of Environment revised and promulgated the "Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources" (hereinafter referred to as the "Enforcement Rules") on December 31, last year. 


With a grace period reflecting industries' suggestions, the Ministry of Environment plans to apply the "Exclusions to the single-use plastic items" from April 1, and the "Enforcement Rules" from November 24. 


The Ministry amended and applied the "Enforcement rules" to reduce the indiscreet use of disposable items. As disposable, single-use items consumption was increased, more plastic wastes were produced during the pandemic.    

※ Before and after the COVID-19 (in 2020 compared to 2019, based on the throughput of local government public sorting facilities): Paper 25%↑, plastic 19%↑, foamed resin 14%↑, vinyl 9%↑


According to previous "Exclusions to the single-use plastic products," the local governments could temporarily allow restaurants and cafes to use disposable items. However, from April 1, single-use plastic items will be banned. Even after the local governments allowed disposable items, restaurants still use multi-use cutlery and bowls. But single-use paper cups are increasingly used in cafes. Hence, there has been a need to reinstate the "Exclusions to the single-use plastic items." 


With the amendment, more single-use plastic products will be banned in more places from November 24. Under the new regulation, paper cups, plastic straws, and plastic coffee stirrers will also be banned in food service businesses and cafeterias. Plastic bags, currently banned in large-scale stores (over 3,000 square meters) and supermarkets (more than 165 square meters), are also banned in general retail businesses such as convenience stores and bakeries. At the same time, the use of plastic umbrellas in large-scale stores is banned, and it is not allowed to use plastic cheering products in sports facilities. 


Hong Dong-gon, Director-General of Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Disposable products are convenient to use. However, they produce plastic wastes and pollute the environment." He added, "Single-use plastics are obstacles to the transition to a circular economy. I would like to request every people and industry to pay attention to the amended regulation, as it seeks to reduce plastic wastes."


For inquiry, please contact 

- Resources Circulation Policy Division, Ministry of Environment 044-201-7340/7352