Reusable cups and containers used at the Tancheon Stadium in Seongnam, Gyeonggi [SEONGNAM CITY]
Viewers at Tancheon Stadium in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, are frequently spotted with light brown plates containing treats such as
tteokbokki
(chewy rice cakes) with crispy fried chicken.
These trays are part of a new initiative introducing reusable containers to the stadium.
According to the Seongnam city government on Monday, since May 24, four concession stands and five food trucks inside the home stadium of Seongnam FC have been using the new containers. A total of 1,000 trays and 1,000 cups are deployed at each game, with 13 matches scheduled through the end of the year, totaling 26,000 units. Used containers are neatly stacked in eight return bins placed at entrances and throughout the stadium.
“The litter surrounding the stadium has significantly reduced,” stated Kim Yu-jin, a 53-year-old supporter of Seongnam FC.
“A city representative stated that with assistance from 28 volunteer guides and a Seongnam FC promotional initiative providing a reward for returned containers, the return rate achieved an impressive 97 percent. They also noted that since transitioning to reusable containers, the volume of plastic waste has been reduced by over fifty percent.”
The stadium, previously famous for its garbage heaps, is now experiencing a change. With throwaway waste decreasing significantly, this initiative is gaining acclaim for promoting environmental responsibility. Additionally, reusable items are starting to be utilized in various public places and events.
Disposable cups and containers utilized at the Tancheon Stadium in Seongnam, Gyeonggi [SEONGNAM CITY]
The Suwon World Cup Stadium started utilizing reusable containers at all food trucks and concession stands from May 11 onwards, resulting in a reduction of waste by 308 kilograms (679 pounds) during three games played on May 11, May 25, and June 1. Out of the 7,530 containers utilized, an impressive 98% were successfully returned.
“We made the containers blue, the team color of Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and spectators responded well,” said an official from the Korea Gyeonggido Company, a company co-founded by small- and medium-sized companies in Gyeonggi.
Other K League venues like Yi Sun-sin Stadium, which hosts Chungnam Asan FC, and Daejeon World Cup Stadium, where Daejeon Hana Citizen play, have also adopted reusable containers.
This trend is gaining traction in professional baseball. Out of the nine KBO stadiums, seven have adopted reusable containers, with examples being Suwon’s KT Wiz Park and Incheon’s SSG Landers Field.
Recyclable containers utilized at a festival in Gyeonggi [GYEONGJI PROVINCE]
A representative from SSG Landers stated that out of the 39 food providers at the stadium, 31 utilize reusable containers,” they explained. “The rest cannot join in due to company guidelines or because their specific dishes aren’t suitable for these containers.
The food delivery industry was one of the pioneers in using reusable containers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, with the sharp rise in contactless deliveries, there was an increase in plastic waste, which encouraged this transition.
In 2021, Gyeonggi began offering reusable container services through the public delivery app Baedal Teukgeup. Last year alone, around 240,000 orders were placed using the service. Since then, reusable items like tumblers and mugs have been introduced at public institutions and multiuse facilities such as funeral homes.
Reusable containers have become prevalent at both local and university events. The Environment Ministry reports that out of 1,170 festivals organized by local authorities last year, 340 utilized these sustainable options. During the Wild Plants Festival in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi, which took place from April 25 to 27, waste generation plummeted by over 90 percent.
Recyclable containers utilized at a festival in Gyeonggi [GYEONGGI PROVINCE]
According to an announcement by a government representative, “A poll of 620 tourists revealed that 92 percent rated their experience with the program as ‘highly favorable.'”
A persistent issue is the low container return rate. Since participants have to find a designated recycling bin, these rates typically range from 50 to 60 percent.
” numerous individuals confuse the recyclable containers with single-use ones and dispose of them in standard garbage,” stated an authority figure from a municipal administration.
As a result, organizations are increasing the number of refund bins and introducing deposit schemes where users must pay between 500 and 1,000 won (approximately 37 to 76 cents). In 2023, Gyeonggi Province had a return rate of just 60%, which climbed to between 93% and 98% this year following an increase in return locations twofold and initiating midday educational initiatives.
“A representative from the Gyeonggi branch of the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements stated that we must shift our focus away from single-use items and discover methods to promote reusable containers in common places such as cafés and eateries,” they remarked.
Translated from the JoongAng Ilbo using generative AI and edited by Korea JoongAng Daily staff.
BY CHOI MO-RAN [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]
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