Dongjak-gu, Ice Pack Recycling Project Promotion

Ice Pack-Only Collection Bins Installed at 15 Community Centers... Collected Ice Packs Reused as Cooling Agents for Fresh Food Storage in Local Traditional and Fish Markets

Example of an ice pack collection box to be installed at the community service center

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dongjak-gu (Mayor Changwoo Lee) will start the "Ice Pack Recycling Project" from the 9th as part of the upward and cooperative job projects between the city and district.

This project was prepared to encourage the reuse of ice packs and preserve the environment due to the rapid increase in ice pack usage caused by the rise in online consumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The superabsorbent polymer, which accounts for 80% of the ice pack filler, is a type of microplastic that, after a single use, is discarded in volume-based waste bags or sometimes discharged into the sewage system, causing environmental pollution.

The district will install dedicated ice pack collection boxes at 15 community service centers by the 8th, allowing residents to dispose of ice packs at nearby collection points.

The items subject to collection are gel-type ice packs that are uncontaminated and undamaged and thus reusable. For water-type ice packs, residents should separate the water and packaging before disposal.

In particular, the district signed an agreement with the Senior Happiness Corporation to collect ice packs accumulated in the collection boxes every other day and carry out sorting by size and capacity, ultrasonic bubble washing and sterilization, and repackaging. These processed ice packs will be provided to about 320 stores across five locations, including traditional markets and fish markets in the area.

The provided ice packs will be used as refrigerants for storing, packaging, and delivering fresh food products.

Choi Seungbaek, Director of the Cleaning Administration Division, said, "Through this project, we expect a reduction in everyday waste and the creation of a cleaner urban environment," adding, "We will continue to actively promote various projects aimed at waste reduction and environmental protection."

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