Government Promotes Plastic Reduction on Resource Recycling Day

The government is taking steps to promote plastic reduction in daily life as part of Resource Recycling Day.

The Climate Energy Environment Ministry announced that it will hold the 18th Resource Recycling Day ceremony on September 4 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

This year's event, themed "From Promise to Action: A Plastic-Free Circular Economy," focuses on encouraging citizens to actively participate in plastic reduction, following last year's theme of "Plastic Reduction: A Promise to the Earth."

Approximately 1,000 attendees, including businesses and public institutions committed to resource recycling, will participate. Companies producing and using recycled plastic materials, youth who have adopted reusable containers, and influencers who collect trash from streets and oceans will share their experiences in plastic reduction.

The ceremony will also feature government awards, including commendations from the President and Prime Minister for individuals who have made significant contributions to resource recycling. Outstanding entries from a nationwide video contest on plastic reduction will also be showcased.

Interactive experiences and policy promotion booths will be set up at the venue. Activities will include making traditional paper from egg cartons, creating soap from coffee grounds, and toy repairs. There will also be opportunities to exchange used batteries, refill empty containers, and collect small discarded electronic appliances.

Affiliated organizations, such as the Korea Environmental Corporation and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute, will introduce resource recycling policies, including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, circular economy regulatory sandbox, and discounting unsold food.

The Resource and Waste Recycling Industry Exhibition (RE-TECH) is being held concurrently. Running from September 2 to September 4, the exhibition features 195 companies from 15 countries showcasing the latest recycling technologies and equipment.

Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated, "Practicing plastic reduction is no longer just a promise; it is time for action. I hope all citizens will join the journey to complete a plastic-free circular economy as climate citizens."