Nowon-gu, Why Approach Cleaning from a 'Welfare' Perspective?

Establishing a Detailed Cleaning System with Efficient Waste Collection, Nighttime Cleaning Staff Deployment... Efforts to Improve Aesthetics, Create Jobs for Seniors, and Enhance Working Conditions for On-site Workers

Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it is enhancing its 'cleaning administration system' to implement another form of welfare for its residents.

Previously, the district was recognized for its systematic cleaning administration capabilities by being selected as 'Best' in the 2021 Seoul City Urban Cleanliness Evaluation and 'Excellent' in the 2022 evaluation. However, the district does not rest on these achievements and plans to continuously focus administrative efforts to establish a culture of cleanliness within the area. This is to support the residents' comfortable daily lives.

□ Number One in Resident Welfare, Creating a Dignified and Clean City!

First, the district improved the collection system to ensure prompt garbage collection. The collection zones for household waste such as volume-based waste and food waste were expanded from 4 to 6 locations, and the collection frequency was increased from three times a week to six times a week to enhance convenience for residents. In particular, for large waste items, which frequently caused complaints due to delayed collection, a 'Large Waste Special Task Force' composed of three-person teams was newly established and operated to enable collection within three days, resulting in a decreasing trend in complaints.

Following the lifting of social distancing measures, the nighttime floating population in major station areas and busy districts surged explosively. In response, nighttime cleaning personnel were increased (by 16 people) targeting major streets such as Nowon Station Culture Street and Sanggye Station Food Alley. Additionally, to eradicate the nighttime illegal dumping that frequently occurs, two dedicated nighttime illegal dumping enforcement personnel were separately deployed and are currently operating.

□ Job Creation That Seniors Can Participate in Without Difficulty

The 'Nowon-gu Cleaning Administration System,' focused on 'welfare,' is also linked to senior job creation. A representative example is the ‘Senior Clean Keeper Group’ consisting of 410 seniors who have a strong affection for the community and a proactive willingness to participate. The Clean Keeper Group works two hours a day, cleaning neighborhood back alleys on weekdays and focusing on areas around subway stations on weekends. Work schedules are arranged with consideration of each participant’s physical strength, resulting in high satisfaction among seniors seeking part-time activities.

□ Welfare for On-site Workers

The 'Nowon-gu Cleaning Administration System' also includes measures to create safe and comfortable working conditions for cleaning personnel. First, the environment within aging collection centers was significantly improved. For example, at the ‘Sanggye Collection Center,’ where waste such as used fluorescent lamps, recyclables from general households, and small home appliances are gathered, the floor was resurfaced with asphalt concrete, and hazardous facilities such as old fences were removed to ensure safety.

Additionally, a dedicated shower room for on-site workers was installed in the break room for both public employees (district-employed sanitation workers) and contracted sanitation workers, and restrooms were modernized. Furthermore, a rest area for public employees was newly constructed next to the Gongneung-dong Collection Center to enhance the rest rights of cleaning personnel.

Notably, improvements were made to the welfare of contracted sanitation workers. The teams, previously organized in pairs, were expanded to three-person teams to increase the safety of household waste collection and transportation, and wage rates were also raised.

Meanwhile, as part of the plogging (picking up trash while jogging or walking) initiative, the district actively promotes community consensus and voluntary participation for a clean Nowon through activities such as ‘Jupgging,’ monthly themed clean-up events like water cleaning and leaf removal, and campaigns promoting ‘cleanliness etiquette as cultural citizens.’

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “To create a clean cultural city free of garbage, the cooperation of residents is above all essential,” adding, “With the belief that urban cleanliness reflects the city’s dignity, we will build a sustainable cleaning system together with the residents.” Nowon-gu Resource Circulation Division

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