[The Hwankyung Ilbo] Starting from April 1, disposable plastic bags will be banned at large retailers, department stores, shopping malls, and large grocery stores (supermarkets) over 165 square meters in size.

The Ministry of Environment said it will conduct on-site inspections in 17 cities and provinces nationwide from April 1 under the Enforcement Regulations of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources, which went into effect on January 1 this year.

Under the Enforcement Regulations, disposable bags and shopping bags are not allowed to be used at large stores (more than 2000 places such as large-sized marts) and supermarkets (more than 165 square meters, 11,000 places), and a maximum fine of 3 million won will be imposed depending on the number of violations detected.

The Ministry of Environment also issued guidelines for shopping bags used in department stores, which were controversial after the enforcement of the resource recycling law.

“Everyone in the society, including the consumer, the industry, and the government, should actively participate in reducing the disposable goods by taking small actions in daily life,” said an official from the Ministry of Environment.

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