Seoul Jung-gu to Install Food Waste Meters in General Residential Areas with 20 or More Households

Sindang-dong Junkyard

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) is expanding the installation of 'food waste RFID (individual weighing) volume-based meters,' which were mainly installed in public housing, to general housing with 20 or more households.

Since 2014, the district has installed volume-based meters mainly in multi-unit housing, achieving high satisfaction among residents and successfully distributing them to 92% of multi-unit housing in the area.

Reflecting the characteristics of Jung-gu, where the proportion of residents in general housing such as multi-family and multi-household houses outside of apartments approaches 60%, the district has been distributing the meters to general housing with 40 or more households since 2017. However, due to low application rates, the target has been expanded to include single-family, multi-family, and multi-household houses with 20 or more households.

The food waste RFID volume-based meter operates by recognizing an electronic tag on the device when food waste is disposed of, automatically measuring the amount disposed by an electronic scale, and charging a fee based on the weight.

One device can be used by 60 to 70 households, and fees are charged immediately according to the amount disposed, which encourages waste reduction by the disposer.

Additionally, it allows hygienic management of food waste and is expected to greatly help improve the alleyway environment in general residential areas, where the disposal of food waste bags had been unsightly.

Once installed, disposal is possible 24 hours a day. Food waste can be placed directly into the volume-based meter in plastic bags. Payment is made using prepaid transportation cards such as T-money or Cashbee, and the fee is 130 KRW per kilogram, which is the same level as the existing food waste bag cost.

Applications can be made by visiting or calling the local community service center of the residence. In densely populated general housing areas, if a location where 20 or more households can share a volume-based meter is agreed upon and applied for, the district will review the environmental suitability of the area, install the meter free of charge, and cover electricity and communication costs required for operation.

For more details, contact the local community service center or the Cleaning Administration Division of Jung-gu Office.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "The installation of volume-based meters is expected not only to reduce food waste but also to resolve residents' inconveniences such as odors caused by food waste bags, and it will help improve the alleyway environment in general residential areas in the future."

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