Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop speaks during a press briefing at the Government Complex Sejong, Monday. Courtesy of Ministry of Environment
Kim Wan-seop reaffirms commitment to reducing disposable waste
By Jung Da-hyun
Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop said Monday that the government will focus on urging providers and users of disposable plastic cups to voluntarily adopt a deposit system, citing the challenges of enforcing the current regulation nationwide.
"It’s not the government’s role to impose a uniform approach all at once," Kim said during a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office. "But implementing it autonomously doesn’t mean the ministry is giving up on the deposit system to reduce disposable cup use."
He criticized the current system as “difficult to maintain,” noting that varying regional conditions make nationwide implementation challenging.
"However, if we can establish a system with proven impact under the shared commitment to reducing disposable cup use, I believe it’s worth investing in, even if it requires additional funding," he added.
The deposit system adds a 300 won (22 cents) charge for customers who opt for disposable cups at coffee shops, which is refunded when the cups are returned.
Initially launched in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Sejong City in December 2022, the system saw declines in both the return rate of disposable cups and the number of participating stores. Also, the ministry didn’t come up with a nationwide plan to extend the system.
Kim stated that the environment ministry aims to continue pursuing nationwide adoption of the deposit system but will allow local governments to set their own targets, standards and methods according to local conditions.
He also highlighted that implementation would proceed in line with local ordinances and agreements with participating companies.
"In the case of Jeju, the governor mentioned that the number of tourists has led to significant waste issues, and residents strongly support the regulation," Kim said.
"If a region or community acknowledges the problem and supports a regulation like this, the government will provide financial assistance to help reduce and recycle disposable products in line with local needs."
Additionally, Kim acknowledged the need to boost renewable energy use in energy-related policies but stopped short of detailing specific plans.
"There is currently a slight shortage in electricity supply for renewable energy," he said.
"However, there is a broad consensus of both the environment ministry and economic sectors that the government should work to increase renewable energy utilization."
During a parliamentary audit on Oct. 24, the ministry also announced plans to advocate for labor representation on the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, emphasizing the importance of including various stakeholders.
Kim noted that while the specific groups and number of participants are still undecided, the ministry aims to include representatives from a wide range of sectors.
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