[Gettyimages Bank]
According to data released by the Korea Consumer Agency, an average consumer who often eats delivered food generates about 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of plastic waste every year. Only about 45 percent of disposable plastic containers were recyclable. Food delivery services have gained popularity amid a coronavirus pandemic because people favored eating delivered food over going out to crowded restaurants.
The Seoul city government joined hands with four popular food delivery service operators -- Baedal Minjok, Yogiyo, Coupang Eats, and Ddangyo -- to expand the number of partner restaurants to up to 500. A company that will retrieve, wash, and redistribute reusable containers will be selected by the end of April.
The pilot project was adopted first in Gangnam, the city's heart of fashion and trends. Two more districts -- the southwestern district of Gwanak and the northeastern district of Gwangjin -- with university campuses will be added to the areas of service. Reusable container retrieval boxes will be installed on campuses to raise awareness among university students.
"We hope that a new eco-friendly consumer trend will become popular thanks to food delivery service operators who were eager to join the campaign," Seoul Vice Mayor Cho In-dong said in a statement on April 14.
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