S. Korean environment ministry sets disposable cup deposit at ₩300

S. Korea will require consumers to deposit 300 won when buying a drink in a disposable cup at a large cafe or fast-food outlet beginning June, government officials said Thursday.

The environment ministry preannounced the measure on its website Friday for a three-week public review before its implementation on June 10.

Under the new scheme, aimed at reducing waste, buyers can get their deposit back when they return the used container.

The ministry will apply the new system to businesses that operate 100 or more outlets.

A total of 79 coffee, bakery, and fast-rood franchises and 105 brands will be subject to the rule.

The government has also prepared a set of standards for single-use containers for effective collection and recycling.

The ministry began this week to hold hearings with related businesses and the public to promote the new policy.

Hong Dong-gon, director of resource circulation policy at the ministry, said they would ensure implementation by actively collecting opinions from beverage stores and consumers and conducting a publicity campaign.