Seongdong-gu, 30 KRW per 1g of cigarette butts collected... Up to 150,000 KRW

Residents aged 20 and over can receive compensation of 30 KRW per gram of cigarette butts, with a monthly minimum of 6,000 KRW and a maximum of 150,000 KRW.

This year, three sectors and nine projects are being promoted to eradicate illegal dumping... The dedicated night-time illegal dumping crackdown team will be expanded.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Wono) has established a comprehensive plan to eradicate illegal dumping, including a cigarette butt collection reward system, to create a pleasant and clean urban environment, and is implementing various projects.

This year’s main projects include ▲a cigarette butt collection reward system for residents ▲new installation of CCTV and logo projectors for illegal dumping crackdown ▲operation of a new night-time illegal dumping crackdown team ▲selection of habitual illegal dumping areas and strengthened patrols.

The cigarette butt collection reward system is a project to collect illegally dumped cigarette butts through voluntary participation of residents. Cigarette butts discarded on the streets not only spoil the cityscape but also pose environmental pollution problems as their filters are made of microplastics. Additionally, their small size makes enforcement and cleaning difficult, and when dumped into rainwater drains, they hinder smooth drainage during the rainy season.

The collection reward system is open to any resident aged 20 or older living in the area. Participants collect cigarette butts discarded in habitual dumping areas and submit them to the local community service center. Compensation is paid at 30 KRW per gram, with a monthly minimum of 6,000 KRW and a maximum of 150,000 KRW, continuing until the budget is exhausted.

Seongdong-gu also plans to operate an additional dedicated night-time illegal dumping crackdown team. Previously, the crackdown team operated only during the daytime, limiting enforcement during night hours (6 PM to 10 PM). The night-time team will focus on intensive illegal dumping enforcement and education, as well as providing guidance on proper waste disposal locations and times, and promoting recycling separation.

Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “We will strive to minimize illegal dumping through various projects, strengthen patrols in habitual dumping areas, and promote proper waste separation to create a pleasant and clean city.”

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