Jeju Samdasoo Reduces Carbon Emissions by 70 Tons with PET Bottle Automatic Collection Reward Machine

Collected 1.18 Million Transparent PET Bottles Over the Past 2 Years
Introduction of Colorless PET Bottle-Only Collection Machines and Regional Redistribution

The appearance of using an automatic PET bottle collection reward machine.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] Jeju Samdasoo has succeeded in reducing carbon emissions by 70 tons through the operation of PET bottle automatic collection reward machines in Jeju.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation, which produces and sells Jeju Samdasoo, announced on the 16th the comprehensive results of operating PET bottle automatic collection reward machines, promoted as part of the 'Green Hole Process' eco-friendly management.

The PET bottle automatic collection reward machine automatically separates cans and PET bottles when inserted into the device, reducing the volume to one-tenth of the original size, thereby lowering recycling waste disposal costs. Users accumulate points corresponding to the number of cans or PET bottles inserted, and when the accumulated points exceed 2,000, they can be redeemed for cash. A total of 16 machines are operated in high foot traffic tourist spots, marts, schools, including Saryeoni Forest Trail.

According to the corporation, over the past two years, 1.18 million transparent PET bottles have been collected through the automatic collection reward machines, and by upcycling them into Re:gen Jeju (textile fibers recycled from PET bottles collected in Jeju), the reduced carbon dioxide emissions amount to approximately 70 tons. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 23,600 15-year-old pine trees in one year.

Furthermore, by replacing polyester fibers with the eco-friendly recycled yarn ‘Re:gen Jeju,’ petroleum usage is reduced, and carbon dioxide emissions are decreased by up to 50%.

In the past year alone, 1.09 million items were disposed of, showing a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, 85% were collected at two Jeju City Hanaro Marts (Nohyeong Branch and Jeju Branch), where local residents and high foot traffic are concentrated, indicating increased awareness and participation in separate disposal of transparent PET bottles among local residents.

Based on this year’s business achievements, Jeju Development Corporation will continue the third-year project. The reward machines will be modified to operate exclusively for colorless PET bottles, and the operation areas will be relocated to reflect changing travel trends, such as Hallasan Mountain and Dongmun Market. Campaigns will also be promoted to encourage participation from students who frequently consume beverages and local residents.

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