Gwangju Dong-gu Wins Minister's Award at Ministry of Science and ICT Digital Innovation Awards

Gwangju Dong-gu announced on the 17th that it had received the Minister of Science and ICT Award at the '2025 Korea Digital Innovation Awards' hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The 'Korea Digital Innovation Awards' is a system that recognizes individuals, outstanding companies, and organizations that have contributed to the realization of a 'digital economy and society' through the development and convergence of information and communication technology.

Gwangju Dong-gu was recognized for its achievements in developing, for the first time in the nation, the 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pay-As-You-Throw Waste Bin' (patent pending) and the 'Garbage Truck Arrival Information Service.' By adding convenience to citizen participation in resource circulation through the resource circulation platform app 'Donggurami On,' Dong-gu presented a new direction for solving neighborhood waste issues.

The 'AI Pay-As-You-Throw Waste Bin,' for which Gwangju Dong-gu has filed a patent application, is a product featuring a system in which AI recognizes only pay-as-you-throw bags and opens or closes the input slot accordingly. It prevents indiscriminate illegal dumping in surrounding areas with CCTV, brightens dark alleys with security lights, and minimizes external power use by installing solar panels. Currently, Dong-gu is working with private companies to develop new products for commercialization, focusing on reducing weight and production costs and innovating design.

The Garbage Truck Arrival Information Service, developed through big data analysis, has contributed to stabilizing the waste disposal system in front of residents' homes. Like the Bus Information System (BIS), it is expected to spread nationwide and become an essential platform for daily life.

In particular, through 'Donggurami On,' residents are encouraged to participate voluntarily by receiving points (10 KRW for reporting, 100 KRW for resolving) when they clean up trash themselves. The app also provides various information, including a map showing the locations and statuses of collection bins such as can and PET bottle collectors, reusable container rentals, and program applications. Previously, in July, Dong-gu was selected as a 'preliminary participating company' for the Ministry of Environment's Carbon Point Program. Since November 5, Dong-gu has been the first in the Gwangju region to implement a policy that directly awards points (300 KRW per use) to citizens who use tumblers at cafes, linking 'Donggurami On' with the carbon point system.

Lim Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, stated, "Dong-gu's carbon neutrality policy is organically connected through AI, online and offline platforms, and resident action. With our initial developments and patent applications, we are always striving to keep pace with the changing times," adding, "Many companies and organizations are showing interest, and we will continue to implement policies that add convenience to residents' lives."

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