At least 5% of convenience stores in Taiwan will offer reusable cup services starting in 2023. That’s according to the Environmental Protection Administration’s (EPA) statement on Monday, which elaborated on the system’s services and guidelines.
The cup program allows people to borrow reusable cups from kiosks at participating locations. People can return the cup to any kiosk for cleaning when they are done using it.
The EPA says it regulates the cup system’s materials, labeling, recycling, cleaning, and inspection. The administration says the recyclable cups are like the ones used in restaurants and that by returning used cups, people can cut down on their environmental impact.
The EPA says people can use various payment methods for the cup’s security deposit, which is paid back if the cup is returned to any service location within three days.
Taiwan has taken several steps to cut down on single-use plastic cups. In July, the country implemented a NT$5 discount for bringing a reusable cup to buy drinks. Statistics show that the number of drinks bought with reusable cups went up 10% after this policy began.
The EPA says at least 5% of convenience stores will offer reusable cup services in 2023 and that it’s free to borrow the cups as long as people return them on time. The administration says stores with the reusable cup system will have signs and also people can also search for reusable cup locations on the official system website.