The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 16th that Korea Post will introduce a new type of "ECO mailbox" to protect the environment. This is the first redesign in 40 years since mailboxes were first introduced in the country. Korea Post stated that it will initially install around 90 units, including areas throughout Jongno and Gangnam districts of Seoul and 22 general post offices in Seoul, by the end of this year.
"ECO mailbox" features separate slots for collecting mail and waste items such as expired pharmaceuticals and used coffee capsules to prevent contamination of mail. The size of the collection slot has also been increased to accommodate small parcels (post office size No. 2 box size: 60cm = 27cm×18cm×15cm).
To register for parcel mail, users must scan the QR code displayed on the mailbox surface or apply for simple advance registration through the post office app or website, and then write the 16-digit advance registration number provided during the registration on the surface of the parcel box before depositing it.
The current mailbox has been in operation since 1984. With the introduction of the "ECO mailbox", its design will change for the first time in 40 years. The material will also be changed from FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) to steel plate to help prevent environmental pollution. Starting in 2023, Korea Post expanded its functions beyond simply delivering letters by launching a project for collecting expired pharmaceuticals* and plans to expand to coffee capsule collection (starting in October of this year). To facilitate this, changes needed to be made to the mailbox's collection slots, resulting in the transformation to the "ECO mailbox".
Used pharmaceuticals and coffee capsules can also be deposited in existing mailboxes. Users should seal expired pharmaceuticals in a dedicated collection bag or a regular bag (excluding liquid medications) and write "expired pharmaceuticals" on the outside of the bag before depositing it. For coffee capsules, users should separate the used coffee grounds from the capsule and deposit only the aluminum capsule in a dedicated collection bag.
However, as the collection slot for the "ECO mailbox" is larger, there are concerns about illegal dumping of trash and other items. Korea Post explained that if items like cigarette butts or beverages are illegally disposed of and damage the mail, offenders could be subjected to up to three years in prison or fined up to 30 million won under postal law. Additionally, similar fines and penalties may apply for the illegal disposal of simple waste, such as tissue, under the Minor Offense Punishment Act and Waste Management Act, urging proper use of the mailbox.
Korea Post plans to gradually expand the installation of "ECO mailboxes" to prevent further reduction of mailboxes and ensure they can be easily found in every neighborhood.
Korea Post chief Jo Hae-geun noted, "The introduction of the 'ECO mailbox' is expected to improve postal services for citizens," adding, "Korea Post will strive to enhance convenience for users and ensure that resource-recycling postal services expand nationwide."