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EPA considers limiting teahouse polystyrene cups

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) is mulling several measures to address a resurgence in the popularity of polystyrene cups in tea houses.

Ho Shun-chin (何舜琴), director of EPA's Department of Waste Management, discussed the measures amid reports that the renewed trend of polystyrene cup use in some chain tea houses poses a threat to the environment.

She said measures under consideration to cut down on use of the cups include one that would offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.

However, there is no law to force business operators to do so and whether the measure would be effective would rely on the cooperation of operators, she said, adding that Starbucks offers discounts to customers who bring their own cups and has received a positive response for doing so.

She also said that eateries and tea houses that provide seats for their patrons are banned from using polystyrene plates, cups or bowls. Instead, they are required to use containers that can be washed and reused.

While the law does not apply to take-out eateries and tea houses, she said, the EPA could move to ban polystyrene plates and cups at these businesses if the level of waste is found to be excessive.

The EPA is also considering incentives such as granting subsidies, to cut down on the use of polystyrene, she added.

EPA officials said that since the administration began restricting the use of plastic bags and polystyrene eating and drinking utensils in 2003, restaurants and beverage establishments have largely turned to plastic or paper cups.

But since polystyrene cups are cheap and keep drinks cold, they have regained popularity. A community college in Tainan has estimated that Taiwanese use 3.85 million polystyrene cups daily.
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