Jongno-gu, Sale of New Design Volume-Based Waste Bags

Starting October 1, New Design Volume-Based Bags Sold... Existing Bags Usable Until Stock Runs Out
Text Shortened for Better Readability, Items to Include or Exclude Easily Shown with Pictures

Jongno-gu (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) will sell new-design volume-based waste bags for the first time in 28 years since the full implementation of the volume-based waste fee system in 1995, starting October 1.

Earlier, the district initiated improvements to the volume-based waste bags from June with the aim of encouraging proper waste separation and raising residents' awareness of environmental protection, beyond simply providing bags for disposing of trash.

The existing bags were filled only with text without any notable design, which was criticized for failing to effectively convey guidelines for disposing of household waste and for harming the city’s aesthetics.

Accordingly, the new volume-based waste bags focus on enhancing readability and dramatically improving the design.

The amount of text has been greatly reduced, and disposal guidelines are now provided via QR codes. Pictograms clearly indicate which items should or should not be placed in each type of bag. The image of a polar bear on an iceberg shouting "Together Jongno" stands out as a way to encourage residents to be alert to the climate crisis and voluntarily take the lead in waste separation.

The timing of the new bags’ availability may vary by sales location, and existing bags can be used until stocks run out.

As part of smart administration to enhance resident convenience, Jongno-gu has been providing Seoul’s first “location-based volume-based waste bag sales information service” since September 10.

With this service, anyone can search for nearby sales locations on the district office website using a map and check real-time recent stock information (by liter and type). Additional features such as directions to sales points and road view will be added later to further improve convenience for residents.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “I hope the newly reborn volume-based waste bags after 28 years will contribute to proper waste separation and the spread of environmental protection awareness.”