Busan Office of Education to Handle Mercury-Containing Waste in Bulk

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has decided to dispose of all mercury-containing waste scattered across schools and affiliated institutions within its jurisdiction by April.

This measure aims to prevent the recurrence of mercury leakage accidents that occurred in some schools last year and to create a safe learning environment.

Currently, there are 9,021 mercury-containing waste items stored at 506 locations, including schools and affiliated institutions in the Busan area.

On the 13th, the Busan Office of Education signed a service contract with the nation's only mercury disposal company, investing 900 million won to establish a safe environment for students' science experiments.

The Office of Education plans to begin mercury disposal work sequentially from January and will conduct safety inspections and consulting for science laboratories to prevent mercury-related safety accidents until all waste is completely disposed of.

In particular, if a mercury leakage accident occurs during the disposal period, separate guidelines will be prepared and provided so that the affected school can take follow-up measures according to procedures.

Busan Office of Education.

Han Jong-hwan, Director of the Future Talent Education Division at the Busan Office of Education, said, “This measure will greatly help create a safe learning environment by collectively disposing of mercury-containing waste that has been stored at schools for a long time.” He added, “We hope that science experiment classes will be revitalized in a safer environment.”