Uijeongbu Resource Recovery Facility Receives 'Pass' Rating, Proving 25 Years of Clean Operations

Uijeongbu City Resource Recovery Facility Passes All Items in Korea Environment Corporation Inspection
0% Smoke, 12 ppm CO... Secures Stable Waste Management Capacity

Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) announced on the 6th that its waste management capabilities have been proven to serve as a national model, as all items received a 'pass' rating in the recent regular inspection of the resource recovery facility conducted by the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of Environment.

Incineration plant exterior. Provided by Uijeongbu City

This inspection was a statutory procedure in accordance with the Waste Control Act and the Air Pollution Process Test Standards, comprehensively assessing the safety of the incinerator and the level of exhaust gas treatment.

The results showed that the smoke opacity was 0 degrees (0%) and the carbon monoxide concentration was 12 ppm, both significantly lower than the standard limits of 2 degrees (40%) and 45 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, the facility received a passing grade in all categories, including exit gas temperature at the combustion chamber, gas retention time, auxiliary combustor operation, appropriateness of exhaust gas temperature, and the installation and management of fire safety equipment. This confirms that the facility is maintaining a stable combustion state.

Since its commissioning in 2001, the Uijeongbu City resource recovery facility has reliably processed the city’s municipal waste for nearly 25 years, safeguarding a pleasant living environment for residents. Despite aging equipment, the facility has maintained incineration efficiency through the systematic expertise of its professional staff and a thorough management system.

This passing result is the outcome of such systematic management, technical expertise, and continuous inspections. It is not merely a technical achievement, but an official confirmation that the city is realizing stable and trustworthy environmental administration.

Based on this, the city plans to actively respond to upcoming changes in waste policy. In particular, in preparation for the full implementation of the direct landfill ban on municipal waste starting January 1, 2026, the city is gradually advancing maintenance and equipment upgrades to enhance the efficiency and durability of the incineration facility. As the role of incineration facilities will become even more critical after the landfill ban, securing stable processing capacity is being treated as the top priority.

Additionally, the city emphasizes that, beyond the stable operation of the resource recovery facility, citizen participation is a key factor in preparing for the era of direct landfill prohibition. Everyday practices such as proper separation and disposal of recyclables, reducing food waste, and minimizing single-use items must be implemented in parallel to maximize policy effectiveness.

With this passing assessment, the city is further strengthening its environmental safety management system to ensure public confidence. The resource recovery facility employs a real-time exhaust gas monitoring system to continuously check combustion temperature, emission concentrations, and equipment status, and has a response system in place for immediate action in case of any anomalies. In addition, the heat energy generated during incineration is recycled for district heating and electricity, laying the foundation for a resource-circulating city.

Going forward, the city will continue to pursue facility modernization and operational efficiency improvements, and, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Gyeonggi Province, aims to develop its resource recovery facility into one of the best in the country.

Mayor Kim Donggeun stated, "This result is an achievement made possible by both the city's management capabilities and the trust of our citizens," adding, "We will continue to prioritize the health and environment of our citizens and strive to build a sustainable, clean city."

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