"Worried It Might Flood" Cigarette Butt Littering in Drains, Are You Still Doing It? [Reporter Han Goes]

Sewers Filled with Cigarette Butts and Debris in a Busy Seoul District
Storm Drains Clogged with Trash Risk Losing Function
Backflow and Flood Damage Increase Due to Various Debris

On the afternoon of the 17th, a sewer in a busy area of Seoul was filled with cigarette butts and various debris. According to a research study, sewers clogged with trash cannot function properly and can increase flood damage by more than three times. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "The gutters are filled with cigarette butts, and this year, it’s just going to be flooded again, as usual."

As the rainy season approaches, concerns are growing that gutters, which serve as rainwater drains, are unable to function properly due to the accumulation of cigarette butts, trash, and sediment. When gutters are clogged with debris, rainwater cannot flow into the drainage pipes, turning the surrounding area into a veritable sea of water.

On the afternoon of the 17th, a gutter in an alley near a busy area in Seoul was filled with cigarette butts. Another gutter in a different alley was also packed with various debris. If heavy rain pours down during the rainy season, the rainwater drainage will be hindered, inevitably causing backflow along with the trash.

A man in his 50s, Mr. A, who works nearby and was met near the alley, said, "I walk this way because my workplace is close, and sometimes I see people just throwing cigarette butts into the gutter." He added, "I think this is just basic manners being ignored."

Another office worker in his 40s, Mr. B, said, "I don’t understand why people throw all kinds of trash here instead of in the trash bins," raising his voice, "It’s really frustrating why they insist on dumping garbage into the gutters."

A drain filled with cigarette butts and various trash. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

On that day, seven gutters examined throughout the streets were all filled with various debris and trash.

Near one gutter, three or four office workers were smoking with their masks hanging under their chins and casually throwing cigarette butts directly into the gutter. Trash was scattered around the gutter as well. The trash could easily be pushed by rainwater and sucked into the gutter.

The situation was the same for a gutter in an alley where smokers gathered. It resembled a large ashtray. Most of the cigarette butts inside the gutters in the alleys inspected that day were from illegal dumping.

Research also shows that gutters clogged with cigarette butts and other debris increase flood damage. In August 2015, the National Disaster Safety Research Institute presented findings that the accumulation of various trash and artificial covers on roadside rainwater drains can increase flood damage by more than three times.

When sediment and carelessly discarded trash accumulate together inside rainwater drains, the likelihood of blockage in the drainage pipes, which are facilities for draining rainwater, is higher than when only sediment accumulates.

A sewer filled with cigarette butts and various trash debris. Approaching closely, a strong foul odor emanates. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Additionally, experiments reproducing the effects of blocking rainwater drain covers due to odors or convenience showed that blocking the covers increased flood levels by more than twice. With rainfall of 50mm per hour, flooding occurred within 10 minutes, overflowing the curbs (sidewalk blocks) and causing flood damage.

Ultimately, gutters clogged with trash cause backflow during the rainy season, turning the area into a flooded zone. Besides flood damage, overflowing debris causes severe harm.

A National Disaster Safety Research Institute official pointed out, "Unlike sediment or branches, artificial trash such as cigarette butts and plastic significantly obstruct rainwater drainage."

The problems caused by cigarette butts dumped in rainwater drains are not limited to backflow during the rainy season. Cigarettes contain many harmful substances, and the butts travel through the sewage system to treatment plants, then to rivers, and finally to the sea. These butts cause environmental destruction and serious harm to humans. This is why cigarette butts and various debris discarded in gutters should never be overlooked.

A sewer filled with cigarette butts and various trash debris. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

A man in his 40s, met near a rainwater drain filled with cigarette butts, said, "When the rainy season approaches, public officials and volunteers manage the gutters," adding, "But how long do we have to keep managing this? I wish people would just take some responsibility."

An official responsible for rainwater drain management stated that they will begin managing areas prone to gutter backflow and complaints ahead of the rainy season.

A district office official explained, "We will focus on managing areas prone to flooding before heavy rains such as the rainy season to prevent inconvenience to citizens." He added, "We plan to prioritize residential areas, restaurant-dense districts, and traditional markets."