Deposit Systems
System Overview
This system imposes a Resource Circulation Deposit of 300 KRW on disposable cups when ordering beverages from coffee shops and similar establishments.
When consumers return the used cups, the deposit is fully refunded to them.
The return rate for disposable cups decreased from 37% in 2009 to just 5% in 2018, leading to recyclable cups being left as litter on the streets.
To address this issue, the disposable cup deposit system was reintroduced on December 2, 2022.
System Overview
has been in effect since December 2, 2022, in designated leading areas (Jeju and Sejong).
After purchasing a beverage that includes the Resource Circulation Deposit, consumers can return the disposable cup to a store participating in the deposit system and receive a 300 KRW refund for the deposit.
Participation in the System
Return your disposable cup and get your deposit back!
Implementation of the System
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Purchase of beverages including the disposable cup deposit.
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After finishing your beverage, return the disposable cup to the store where it was purchased (or to any store of the same brand) or to a designated return collection point
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Before returning, empty the contents and separate any attachments (such as straws, cup holders, lids, and leftover beverages)
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Show the consumer barcode from the Resource Circulation Deposit app, followed by the barcode on the cup, and then return the cup
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Receive the deposit (via the Resource Circulation Deposit app or in cash)
- Stores with an area of less than 10㎡, unmanned stores operated by vending machines, stores located in bonded areas of airports or ports, and stores located in rural areas are excluded from participating in the deposit system.
- It is not possible to receive a deposit refund at stores that do not use disposable cups, even if they belong to a brand participating in the deposit system.
- The transfer time of the deposit refunded to the app may vary depending on when the bank transfer request is made.
- When returning cups directly to staff at a store, a maximum of 20 cups can be returned per day. (There is no limit at collection points, cup return centers, or unmanned return machines.)
- Once a cup has been returned, it cannot be returned again.
- If the barcode is damaged or if there is leftover content in the cup, the return may be refused.
- Returns may be refused at stores if they are not part of the same brand. (At collection points or cup return centers, cups can be returned regardless of brand.)
- You can check for collection points outside of stores via the Resource Circulation Deposit app.
Download the Deposit System App.
Resource Circulation Deposit App
Shinhan SOL App
Operational System
