(1) Reasons for Proposal

This Partial Amendment aims to define matters required as the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources was amended on June 9, 2020 to introduce a deposit scheme for disposable cups (Articles 17 and 17-2) and newly insert a recycling market management center (Article 48).

Furthermore, as plastic waste is increasing and uncertainty in the recycling market is deepening since COVID-19, it is becoming increasingly necessary to decrease the use of disposable products including plastics and promote the recycling of plastics. As such, this Partial Amendment aims to expand the scope of disposable products subject to regulation and expand those obligated to use regenerated raw materials to include plastic manufacturers (Article 32 and attached Table 1)

(2) Major Provisions

A. Define those on which a deposit for disposable cups is imposed (Article 17)

Prepare a provision that determines business entities using disposable paper/plastic cups to sell beverages (tea, coffee, fruit drink, soda, etc.) by notice.

B. Designate payment service providers which help to pay charges through credit cards (Article 28-3)

Designate payment service providers such as the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute which allow the payment of waste charges by credit or debit card and set fees for payment service.

C. Mandate the use of regenerated raw materials in plastic manufacturers (Articles 32 and 33 amended)

Add plastic manufacturers in addition to paper, glass, and steel manufacturers to the list of business entities designated for recycling, which are obligated to use regenerated raw materials.

D. Add disposable products subject to regulation (attached Table 1)

Add plastic straws, plastic sticks, and plastic umbrellas to disposable products subject to regulation in an effort to regulate their use.