280 Ice Pack Collection Bins Installed in Seocho-gu

From March, 280 Ice Pack Collection Boxes Expanded to 246 Apartment Complexes... Ice Packs Collected, Washed, and Disinfected Before Being Supplied to Restaurants and Butcher Shops for Resource Recycling

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu has decided to directly collect ice packs by installing an additional 280 'ice pack dedicated collection bins' in 246 apartment complexes in the area starting from March.

Currently, due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in fresh product delivery volumes, the amount of ice pack waste has rapidly increased. Ice packs are often used once and discarded in volume-based waste bags, or some are disposed of into sewers, causing resource waste and environmental pollution.

In response, since May last year, the district has installed a total of 69 collection bins as a pilot project at 18 community service centers and apartment complexes in the Yangjae and Naegok districts, supplying them free of charge where needed.

The collected ice packs are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, then about 16,000 are provided to restaurants and butcher shops, easing the burdens of small business owners struggling due to the COVID-19 crisis, and receiving great support from apartment residents and merchants.

Encouraged by this response, the district has decided to fully expand the project, installing an additional 280 collection bins in 246 apartment complexes in the area starting in March, deploying dedicated personnel and vehicles to collect twice a week in two teams on a rotating basis.

Small business owners in the area who need ice packs can contact the Cleaning Administration Division. The collected ice packs undergo cleaning and disinfection at a separate facility before being provided to businesses, alleviating hygiene concerns related to ice pack recycling.

A district official stated, “This project is achieving a triple effect of resource recycling, environmental protection, and support for small business owners, which is very gratifying,” and added, “We will continue to actively promote various projects to reduce waste and protect the environment, striving to create a pleasant and green Seocho residential environment.”

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