Yeongdeungpo-gu Increases Recycling Rate by Separating Waste Vinyl and Transparent PET Bottles

Starting July, Dedicated Collection Days for Waste Vinyl and Transparent PET Bottles... Focused Collection of Transparent PET Bottles and Waste Vinyl Every Friday to Increase Recycling Rates

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chae Hyun-il) has designated specific days for the disposal of waste vinyl and transparent PET bottles to separately collect high value-added recyclable materials.

In line with the international movement for environmental protection and the amendment to the Resource Recycling Act that took effect on the 25th of last month, local governments are also aiming to increase recycling rates to provide a more pleasant environment for future generations.

After a public awareness period until June, the district will designate every Thursday from July as the disposal day for waste vinyl and transparent PET bottles, with concentrated collection the following day. Waste vinyl disposal targets single-family homes and commercial establishments. The July target for transparent PET bottles is multi-family housing, with plans to expand to single-family homes and commercial establishments in 2021.

Transparent PET bottles have fewer impurities compared to colored PET bottles and have high recycling value as raw materials for regenerated fibers. Waste vinyl was often discarded in designated waste bags and incinerated or landfilled as is, so if the separate disposal system is established, it will achieve both economic benefits and environmental protection.

According to the Ministry of Environment, if this system spreads nationwide, the amount of high-quality recycled materials is expected to increase to about 100,000 tons by 2022.

Waste vinyl will also be collected intensively. Although waste vinyl was often incinerated or buried in landfills after being discarded in designated waste bags, the implementation of a dedicated disposal day is expected to greatly contribute to reducing household waste and greenhouse gas emissions. However, transparent PET bottles and colored PET bottles with adhesive labels will maintain the existing disposal methods. Waste vinyl contaminated with foreign substances that is difficult to recycle will also follow the existing disposal days.

The disposal method for single-family homes and commercial establishments is to place the waste in transparent bags that allow visibility and leave them in front of the house or store. For multi-family housing, the current method will be maintained, but separate collection bins for transparent PET bottles must be provided.

Residents can use recycling separation sites operated by the district, such as Clean Houses and recycling stations, to dispose of waste at any time without time restrictions.

Once the system is implemented in July, a three-month grace period will be followed by the imposition of fines.

For inquiries regarding the waste vinyl and PET bottle collection system, contact the Cleaning Department at ☎2670-3487.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “This waste vinyl and PET bottle separate disposal day system will be a good way to increase recycling rates,” adding, “Only active participation from residents can pass on beautiful nature and a clean environment to future generations.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.