Gangdong-gu, headed by Mayor Lee Jung-hun, revealed its plans to inspect the use of disposable cups at district coffee shops and fast food restaurants and conduct focused instruction on how to reduce the frequent use of disposable goods while promoting a more eco-friendly consumption culture.

According to the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources, the use of disposable cups is restricted in food restaurants, while disposable cups can only be provided for consumption outside of restaurants. However, some businesses and customers remain unaware and imprudently use disposable cups, causing a negative influence on the environment.

 In response, Gangdong-gu notified 455 food restaurants, including coffee shops and fast food restaurants, in July about the restricted use of disposable cups (i.e. synthetic resin cups, metal foil cups). On-site inspections of disposable cup use is to be conducted 3-5 times a week, starting this month.

 The inspection will focus on the provision of multi-use cups according to the Ministry of Environment guidelines upon visits to food restaurants, examine the matter of notification by business owners regarding restricted use of disposable cups in shops, and look into whether or not the employees are inquiring to consumers about their intent to make a take-out purchase.

Every case that a plastic disposable cup is used without abiding to the above guidelines will result in a fine between KRW 50,000 and two million, determined upon the store size and number of prior violations.

In addition, Gangdong-gu established a practical plan to reduce the use of disposable cups in public organizations in order to promote the initiative among public workers to reduce the use of disposal goods, including paper cups, plastic, and disposable cups.

Gangdong-gu installed the eco-friendly rain water remover to use in place of disposable plastic umbrella covers while recommending the use of personal cups for all employees and reducing the use of disposable cups during meetings and public counseling sessions. Also, the use of handkerchiefs instead of restroom paper towels was encourage as well to promote the initiative in reducing the use of disposable goods, amid the creation of eco-friendly consumption.

An official commented, “Within the last 2-3 years, the use of plastic cups increased with the growing number of coffee shops, which has led to difficulties in collecting and recycling. We continue to work to reduce the use of disposable cups that are harmful to the environment while encouraging the use of personal cups and tumblers so that we may evolve into a form of consumption that's more friendly to the environment.”

For more information about the use of disposable cups in food restaurants, including coffee shops and fast food restaurants, please contact the Gangdong-gu Office Cleaning Administration Division (☎02-3425-5882).

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  Coffee Shop Inspection

  

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