Gwangju City Provides Recycling Sorting Jobs for Heat Wave Vulnerable Groups

First in the Nation to Launch "Resource Recycling Activity Group" Last Year
Operated Throughout August... Distribution of Protective Supplies

Kang Gijeong, mayor of Gwangju, visited the Songjeong1-dong Administrative Welfare Center in Gwangsan-gu on August 1 last year, joining senior members of the resource recycling activity group in sorting recyclables such as removing labels from transparent PET bottles and sorting used batteries, while listening to the seniors' difficulties. Provided by Gwangju City

As the heat wave continues to intensify day after day, the city of Gwangju is taking steps to protect the health of elderly waste paper collectors, who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

On July 14, the Gwangju city government announced that it will operate the "Resource Recycling Activity Group," a heat safety job program, to safeguard the safety and health of elderly waste paper collectors who are at high risk during heat waves. This initiative is the first of its kind in the country and has been implemented by the city since last year.

This year, reflecting feedback from last year's participants and the practical need to maintain collection areas, the city will not completely suspend waste paper collection. Instead, it will implement a "waste paper collection ban period" during peak heat hours. Through this measure, the city aims to enhance the effectiveness of heat wave prevention and expand the number of beneficiaries.

Accordingly, participating seniors will suspend waste paper collection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.?the hottest hours of the day?throughout the month of August. During this time, they will engage in relatively safe and less strenuous tasks, such as indoor or shaded environmental cleanup activities and sorting recyclables.

To support not only the safety but also the economic well-being of elderly waste paper collectors, the city will provide safety education, alternative job opportunities, and a stipend of 200,000 won. In addition, the city is distributing protective supply kits to about 600 elderly waste paper collectors. These kits include sun hats, fluorescent arm sleeves, cooling wipes, cooling towels, cooling patches, insect repellent, and informational leaflets on how to stay safe during heat waves, all of which have been well received.

Jung Mikyung, head of the Resource Circulation Division, stated, "This year as well, we will carefully monitor the health and safety of elderly waste paper collectors to ensure they have a healthy and safe summer." She also emphasized, "Above all, please remember that water, shade, and rest are the most important safety measures during heat waves."

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