Dobong-gu Distributes 100 Masks Each to Elderly Paper Collectors

Masks Distributed to 158 Elderly Waste Collectors, 100 Masks Each to Prevent Harmful Substances, COVID-19, and Winter Flu During Collection Activities

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dongjin Lee) has distributed masks to 158 elderly people who collect waste paper.

This is to protect the elderly exposed to outdoor activities during the COVID-19 period from harmful substances generated during waste collection and to prevent infections such as COVID-19 and winter flu.

The district supports 100 masks per elderly person this year, providing a total of 15,800 masks to 158 elderly individuals.

The masks will be delivered to the elderly during weekdays through each neighborhood community center.

According to a district official, as the price of waste paper continues to decline and the number of elderly collectors increases, economic difficulties and social isolation during the COVID-19 period are expected to be even greater.

Considering that most waste paper collecting elderly are low-income, the district also supported heating costs last winter as part of a warm winter fund for 66 elderly people in addition to this mask support.

Meanwhile, Dobong-gu conducted the first survey on waste paper collecting elderly in 2017 and the second survey in 2019 to understand their status. Following support policies at the Seoul city level, the elderly have been supported in four areas: livelihood, jobs, care, and safety.

This year, the district plans to conduct another survey on waste paper collecting elderly to use it as basic data for establishing comprehensive support measures. In connection with the community service project, meticulous care for the waste paper collecting elderly will be provided.

Also, recognizing that stable jobs for waste paper collecting elderly are of utmost importance, the district is considering labor support through public jobs to ensure appropriate income and health for the elderly.

Last year, Dobong-gu collaborated with Dobong Senior Club to promote the ‘Handcart Elderly Project,’ providing jobs to about 160 elderly people.

Mayor Dongjin Lee of Dobong-gu stated, “Since 2014, Seoul has enacted an ordinance to support recyclables collectors, including elderly waste paper collectors, but the fundamental solution is to create a social security system where the elderly do not have to collect waste paper. We will carefully monitor to ensure that the elderly are not excluded from the social safety net by maximizing the use of available resources.”