Jang-an-myeon, Hwaseong, Leads Wildfire Prevention and Environmental Protection with Intensive Collection of Agricultural Waste Vinyl

by Lee jonggu

Published 17 Mar.2026 17:25(KST)

On March 17, Jang-an-myeon in Manse-gu, Hwaseong Special City, Gyeonggi Province, held the '2026 First Half-Year Agricultural Waste Vinyl Intensive Collection Event' in the parking lot of the Jang-an-myeon Administrative Welfare Center.

Residents of Janganmyeon are sorting collected waste vinyl and carrying out intensive collection work. Photo by Hwaseong City

This event was organized to collect agricultural waste vinyl, which can easily be left unattended in rural areas ahead of the full-fledged farming season, in a timely manner. The goal is to prevent illegal incineration and reduce waste generation.

The event was hosted by the local residents' association, with area farmers and residents directly bringing in waste vinyl to participate in the collection. Even residents of villages without joint collection sites or where only small amounts of waste vinyl are generated actively took part, adding significance to the event. On-site, there was also guidance on the proper disposal methods for waste vinyl and a reminder that illegal incineration is prohibited.

Jang-an-myeon promoted the message: “Don’t burn waste vinyl, gather it instead. A small spark can cause a large wildfire.” Over the past 10 years, 23.4% of wildfires have been caused by waste burning, making the incineration of agricultural waste vinyl an act that must be eradicated. Those caught illegally burning waste may face fines of up to 500,000 won.

At the event site, instructions were provided for the disposal of waste vinyl, including: ▲removing soil, gravel, and weeds ▲rolling and tying up the vinyl ▲bringing it to a joint collection site or the event venue. It was also promoted that bottles for nutritional supplements without a 'pesticide' label should be separated and disposed of as recyclable plastics, and that waste pesticides must be brought to the township or district administrative welfare center during the annual intensive collection period held in June and July.

Lee Byungseop, head of Jang-an-myeon, stated, “Agricultural waste vinyl is not trash to be burned, but a recyclable resource,” adding, “I hope this intensive collection event serves as an opportunity to protect the rural environment and prevent wildfires.”

Meanwhile, Jang-an-myeon plans to continue promoting and educating about agricultural waste materials at least once in both the first and second half of each year to encourage collection of agricultural waste and prevent illegal incineration.