Baek Jong-han, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Contributes to Improving Household Waste Disposal Methods

The method of handling raw waste in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City is set to be improved following the criticism by Assemblyman Baek Jong-han.

Assemblyman Baek pointed out during a five-minute speech at last month's regular meeting, "Previously, Seo-gu required bedding items such as blankets to be reported and disposed of as large waste regardless of their volume, and if disposed of in volume-based waste bags, they were not collected. The fees charged for bedding items have exceeded 100 million won since 2020."

In response, Seo-gu plans to prepare improvement measures so that from the 10th of this month, household waste such as bedding, cushions, and dolls (hereafter referred to as bedding items), which were previously subject to large waste disposal fees, will only be classified as large waste if they cannot fit into volume-based waste bags (5~20L).

Bedding waste that can fit into volume-based waste bags (5~20L) can be disposed of using these bags, and even if the bedding is large, it can be shredded to 15cm or less and then placed in the volume-based waste bag for disposal.

Additionally, residents will be actively informed about these changes and that quilted blankets and throws can be disposed of in used clothing collection bins.

Assemblyman Baek said, "I deeply appreciate Seo-gu Office and the Cleaning Administration Department for empathizing with the issue raised by the assemblyman and actively working towards a solution," adding, "I will continue to closely examine residents' inconveniences and strive to improve the living environment."

Currently, among the five autonomous districts in Gwangju, Nam-gu and Buk-gu guide residents to use volume-based waste bags if bedding waste fits into 20L and 30L bags respectively; Dong-gu allows disposal in volume-based bags if the items can be shredded to 15cm or less; and Gwangsan-gu classifies such waste as large waste. Thus, each local government applies different handling methods.

Shin Dong-ho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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