Gwangju Seo-gu, Free Replacement of 20ℓ Food Waste Containers with 5ℓ Containers

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Seo Daeseok) announced on the 18th that starting next month, they will replace the 20ℓ food waste collection containers with 15ℓ containers free of charge.

This container replacement project was promoted to prevent musculoskeletal injuries among sanitation workers and to improve their working environment.

The currently used 20ℓ collection containers weigh approximately 35~40㎏ in actual weight. Sanitation workers lift the containers to shoulder height, transfer the contents into 120ℓ collection containers, and load them onto vehicles.

Based on Ministry of Environment standards and on-site measurements, it is predicted that reducing the container volume by just 5ℓ will lighten the weight by about 10㎏.

Businesses currently using the 20ℓ containers can receive 15ℓ containers by calling the Seo-gu Cleaning Administration Department.

A Seo-gu official stated, “We decided to reduce the capacity of food waste collection containers to improve the working environment for sanitation workers. Although residents may experience some inconvenience along with the fee increase, we hope they understand the purpose of reducing food waste generation.”

Meanwhile, the container replacement project will be implemented together with the increase in food waste collection, transportation, and processing fees starting next month, and it is expected to encourage reduced food waste disposal through the reduction of container capacity.