Gochang-gun Promotes 'Separate Disposal of Transparent PET Bottles' for Detached Houses

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Jeonbuk Gochang-gun is actively promoting the separate disposal of transparent PET bottles for resource saving and environmental conservation.

The county announced on the 30th that it will conduct intensive promotion for two months from the 1st of next month to January 31 of next year in preparation for the ‘Separate Disposal System for Transparent PET Bottles in Detached Houses’ to be implemented from the 25th of next month.

The county has established separate disposal boxes for transparent PET bottles in all towns and townships, and is carrying out multifaceted and continuous promotion through electronic display boards, promotional materials, banners, and its website.

Starting with Mujang-myeon and Asan-myeon, the county is putting all its efforts into the early establishment of the system by conducting ‘Environmental Education Visiting Residents’ 45 times.

When disposing of transparent PET bottles, empty the contents, remove the label, crush the bottle, close the cap, put it separately in a transparent bag, and bring it to the designated disposal site.

Transparent PET bottles are recycled into high-quality raw materials for functional clothing, bags, and other products.

However, due to mixed disposal with similar items such as colored PET bottles, recycling is difficult, and about 80,000 tons of recycled raw materials are imported annually from overseas.

With the implementation of this system, the county urged residents’ active participation to promote resource saving and recycling, ultimately preserving Gochang’s clean environment.

A county official said, “Due to the increase in ready-to-eat meals and delivery food caused by COVID-19, the use of disposable products has increased, making resource recycling through separate disposal urgent,” adding, “We hope that the culture of separate disposal of transparent PET bottles will be successfully established through residents’ participation and practice.”

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr