[Earth day] Seoul's push to cut waste with reusable delivery containers

Yesterday April 22nd was Earth Day and in light of this occasion we share with you the latest efforts by Seoul City to reduce single-use plastic waste at Hangang Parks where picnics are very popular.

Lee Eun-hee files this report.

Having a picnic and enjoying food delivery-it's pure happiness, until we realize that our earth can't sustain this convenience forever.

And as more people begin to enjoy the outdoors after a long winter, starting this month, Seoul City is working to reduce single-use waste by installing return stations for reusable food delivery containers at Hangang Parks, beginning with two at Ttukseom Hangang Park and뚝섬 한강공원 두 곳, 여의도 한강공원 세 곳에 먼저 설치됩니다. three at Yeouido Hangang Park.

To use the service, the reusable container option in the delivery app needs to be selected.

And to return containers, simply scan the QR code on the delivery bag and drop them at the designated station.

Next, these used containers are taken to the cleaning station.

"Reusable containers -one concern that probably comes to mind is sterilization. Can we really trust that they're clean? Well, that's exactly what we're here to find out. Behind me, a full 7-step process ensures that each container is thoroughly washed, sanitized, and inspected before making its way back to customers."

The steps include: pre-washing, soaking, high-temperature washing, rinsing, drying, sterilization, disinfection, and a comprehensive inspection.

"We at Itgreen run the "Returnit" service, where the containers are collected, sanitized and returned to participating restaurants and vendors for reuse up to 300 times.

To ensure the highest standards of hygiene, ATP tests are conducted to measure organic residue, and are ten times stricter than the standard guidelines.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, food delivery has become a regular part of life. To tackle the growing plastic waste issue, we partnered with major delivery companies in 2022 to launch a reusable container service. The service is now available in most areas of Seoul, and by next year, we plan to expand it to all of the city."

For business owners, what are the advantages and challenges of using this system?

"The reusable containers are not only clean, but they also retain heat well, helping to keep the food warm during delivery.

However, it would be even more practical if the containers came in a wider range of shapes and materials to better suit the food."

As more services take part in helping protect the planet, our role is just as important.

By recognizing the impact of our daily choices and by participating, we can become part of the change we hope to see.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.