Special Waste Recycling in Dongjak-gu... Private Sector Expands Real-Name System for Volume-Based Waste Bags from June

441 Public and Related Institutions Mandatory, 315 Convenience Stores and Gas Stations Voluntary... Must Attach Department (Business Site) Name on Volume-Based Waste Bags When Disposing... Refusal of Collection if Not Complied

The district plans to expand the real-name system for volume-based waste bags to the private sector in order to reduce household waste.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) has taken the lead in spreading proper waste separation and disposal since last year and will expand the real-name system for volume-based waste bags, implemented by public institutions and related organizations, to the private sector starting in June.

This initiative was prepared in response to the continuous increase in household waste disposal costs due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and changes in consumption patterns, as well as the need for active household waste reduction measures amid concerns over the safety of waste disposal following the scheduled closure of the metropolitan landfill site in 2025.

The real-name system for volume-based waste bags requires that the department (institution) name be written on the waste bags disposed of by public institutions, allowing strict monitoring and management of how waste is disposed of and whether recyclables or food waste are mixed in.

Starting this year, the district will expand the mandatory targets to a total of 441 locations, including 50 public institutions such as the district office, health centers, and community service centers, as well as 391 related organizations such as the Dongjak-gu Facilities Management Corporation, Dongjak Culture and Welfare Foundation, daycare centers, and senior citizen centers.

Additionally, 315 private businesses, including 305 convenience stores and 10 gas stations within the district, will pilot the program and then implement it voluntarily.

The district will designate real-name system managers in all departments of public institutions, related organizations, and community service centers, instructing and managing them to ensure that waste bags bear stickers with the department name when disposing of waste.

Furthermore, inspection teams will be organized to check ▲whether the department name is written ▲whether recyclables are mixed in ▲the status of recyclable waste separation ▲and the reduction of paper cup usage. Departments (community service centers) that fail to comply will receive warnings and have their waste collection refused.

For private businesses, consulting on household waste reduction, waste disposal status, and proper waste separation will be provided, and informational materials including real-name system stickers will be distributed to encourage active participation.

Choi Seung-baek, Director of the Cleaning Administration Division, said, “Through this project, we hope that public and related organizations will take the lead in reducing household waste and that awareness of proper waste separation will spread widely.”

Meanwhile, since last month, the district has established the smart integrated waste disposal and collection management system ‘Easy to Dispose Go’ that allows residents to conveniently apply 24/7 for the entire process from disposal to payment using QR codes.