Damyang-gun Prepares Support Measures for Elderly Paper Collectors... Conducts Full Survey

On the 14th, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Byeong-no) announced that it will conduct a full survey of elderly waste paper collectors by the end of March to provide elderly job opportunities and services tailored to their needs.

There are 42,000 elderly waste paper collectors nationwide, and due to the recent collapse in waste paper prices over the past few years, their monthly income is just over 159,000 won, about 13% of the minimum wage, making it difficult for many elderly people to cover their living expenses.

Accordingly, Damyang-gun is conducting a full survey targeting local junk shops and elderly waste paper collectors, and based on the secured list, will identify welfare needs through home visits and counseling for elderly households, linking them to elderly job projects and providing necessary health and welfare services.

Among the elderly job projects, social service-type jobs provide an income of 760,000 won per month, while public interest activity-type jobs provide an income of 340,000 won per month.

Additionally, for elderly people who wish to continue waste paper collection activities, similar activities such as the resource recycling market-type business group will be introduced, and information on income from participation in elderly job projects, basic livelihood security system, emergency support, and customized elderly care services will also be provided.

Governor Lee Byeong-no said, “We will actively support elderly waste paper collectors who are in welfare blind spots with elderly job opportunities and welfare services, fulfilling our promise of filial administration and realizing rural welfare for our citizens.”