Gwangju Seo-gu Operates 'Jawon Sunhwan Store'... Leading Carbon Neutrality Efforts

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, has opened 'Visiting Resource Circulation Stores' in a total of five locations, starting with Chipyeong-dong in June, followed by Sangmu 2-dong, Hwajeong 3-dong, Hwajeong 4-dong, and Pungam-dong, to focus on collecting recyclable resources such as transparent PET bottles, milk cartons, and aluminum cans.

According to Seo-gu on the 21st, the 'Resource Circulation Store' was introduced to lead the establishment of a culture of resource circulation practice and realize carbon neutrality by increasing the added value of recyclables and utilizing them as recycled raw materials that replace existing raw materials.

So far, the number of members registered with the Resource Circulation Store has reached 330, with 213,058 transparent PET bottles, 1,114 kg of paper cartons, 1,860 kg of cans, and 10,763 used batteries collected, and approximately 3.43 million KRW worth of monetary compensation has been paid to participants.

Seo-gu operates the Resource Circulation Stores according to a weekly schedule at Chipyeong and Pungam-dong Administrative Welfare Centers, Ssanghak Park, Kongkong Children's Park, and Matgoeul Children's Park at designated times.

Resource circulation managers stationed at the stores weigh the recyclables brought in, credit points to the resource circulation accounts, and provide guidance and promotion on how to separate and dispose of items by category. The accumulated points are returned to residents in cash.

Kim I-gang, head of Seo-gu Office, said, “We will spread awareness that recyclables are high-quality resources that can be exchanged for cash rather than being considered waste,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure that the Zero-Waste culture spreads within the local community.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho baekok@asiae.co.kr