Gov't pushes to eliminate non-recyclable plastic waste

Some plastics are easier to recycle than others. GETTYIMAGESBANK

By Jung Min-ho

The government will offer incentives to companies that make it convenient for consumers to recycle their plastic containers in an effort to reduce non-recyclable plastic waste.

The Ministry of Environment said Tuesday that it had revised enforcement regulations to offer tax incentives to plastic product manufacturers that make recycling easier.

The ministry will classify nine types of plastic packaging products into four grades ― the best, good, fair and bad ― and companies in the top category will receive benefits, which will be determined soon.

According to the ministry, two things are critical for recycling: color and “detachability.” Clear plastics are always preferred than those with colors and consumers should be able to detach them from other materials easily.

These criteria will determine the grades of plastic products and people will be able to check the grade marks.

The new system is expected to help environmentally conscious consumers' choices.

The ministry said it will also try, hopefully by the end of the year, to convince beer producers to use recyclable containers instead of black plastic bottles, which are difficult to recycle.