The Container Deposit System Management Organization

Guidance on Reporting Deposit Refund Refusals

-To report a deposit refund refusal, contact the relevant local government or the Container Deposit System Help Center (1522-0082 or https://reusebottle.kr).
(1) The relevant local government shall investigate the contents of the report and take appropriate measures, such as paying a reward, within 7 days of receiving the report.
- The relevant authority (local government) pays a reward for each reported case, as provided within the budget for that year, according to the following criteria:
(1) Payment rate: 10% of the amount of the fine imposed under Article 41 (1) 5 of thelaw
(2) Payment amount: Up to 50,000 KRW, minimum 10,000 KRW
- There are restrictions on paying rewards in the following cases:
(1) Reporting only verbally or reporting a retailer who is already being processed after being reported
(2) Reporting anonymously or providing a false name or an address in another person’s name, making it impossible to pay the incentive
(3) Reporting fraudulently through premeditated conspiracy, falsehood, or manipulated evidence for the purpose of receiving the incentive
(4) In the case where the number of monetary incentive payments for the same reporter exceeds 10 from January 1 to December 31 of each year based on the date of application
- If fraudulent activity, such as premeditated conspiracy, falsehood, or manipulated evidence, is found to have been used to receive a reward, the relevant authority may revoke the payment of the reward.

Empty containers can be returned to any sales outlet that sells the same type of container, including large discount stores (supermarkets) and retail stores.

- According to attached Table 5 of Enforcement Rule of Act on Recycling of Resources, the seller shall refund the full amount of deposit for the same type of containers being sold, regardless of the sales location.
(1) However, if the customer returns a beer bottle with the deposit to a retail store that only sells PET beer, the retailer may refuse to accept it.
- In the case of soju, even if the store sells only glass bottle products of the “C” brand that include the deposit, it should not refuse to refund for a different brand’s soju bottle (with the deposit).

The correct way to return empty containers is to ensure they are clean and undamaged, as the container deposit system is designed to promote their recovery and reuse. Containers that are too damaged for reuse, such as those that are broken or contaminated with foreign substances like cigarette butts and ash, cannot be returned.

- Use containers cleanly so they don't break or become contaminated, and return them to retailers such as supermarkets, large marts, and convenience stores.
-According to attached Table 5 of Enforcement Rule of Act on Recycling of Resources, retailers may refuse to accept returns of more than 30 containers, so it is best to return even small amounts of containers to the place of purchase as soon as possible.