[Interview] Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo District, "Creating a Zero Incineration City Without the Need for Incinerators Through 'Zero Incineration Stores'"

Building Additional Incineration Plants Is Not a True Alternative; ‘Sogak Zero Store’ Signals a New Start

Establishment of a Reward System Where Points Earned Can Be Redeemed for Cash or Zero Pay

"We need to create a new framework to solve the waste problem. Instead of the 'putting out the fire in front of us' approach of landfill or incineration, a fundamental paradigm shift is necessary. Mapo-gu will begin this major transition through the ‘Sogak Zero (zero) Store.’"

On the 27th, Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, Seoul, explained the Mapo-type incineration waste reduction policy, the recycling intermediate processing center called ‘Sogak Zero Store.’

Mayor Park said, "Although South Korea rigorously separates waste, due to contamination and mixing, the actual recycling rate is only about 30-40%. We need to create spaces everywhere where proper separation and intermediate processing are possible to increase the actual recycling rate."

The ‘Sogak Zero Store No. 1,’ which began operation at the Mapo-gu Office plaza that day, is a resource circulation space where all intermediate processing such as washing, separation, crushing, and compression of recyclables can be done in one place. Any resident can separate and dispose of recyclables and perform intermediate processing.

There are no restrictions on the types of items that can be processed. The collection items are subdivided into 18 categories including vinyl, glass bottles, paper, cans, plastic, and clothing. Resource circulation helpers are stationed to guide visiting residents on proper separation to increase the actual recycling rate.

Mapo-gu rewards residents using the ‘Sogak Zero Store’ with points based on the set compensation price for 18 processable items, ranging from 10 won to a maximum of 600 won, which can be redeemed for cash or Zero Pay.

The district plans to pilot five additional locations in the area following the trial operation of the first ‘Sogak Zero Store.’ After reviewing usage rates and recycling processing effects, the plan is to expand it throughout the entire district.