Naju-si Raises Price of Waste Volume-Based Bags for the First Time in 18 Years

Naju City in Jeollanam-do has decided to raise the price of volume-based garbage bags for the first time in 18 years to reflect the actual cost of household waste disposal.

The city announced on the 8th that starting from July, the price of 20-liter (ℓ) volume-based garbage bags will be increased from 250 won to 380 won per bag.

Production of volume-based waste bags for household garbage in Naju City. [Photo by Naju City]

Until now, the price of volume-based garbage bags had been frozen for 18 years due to the difficult living conditions of low-income residents and efforts to curb inflation. However, the city explained that the recent continuous increase in household waste generation and rising disposal costs have made this unavoidable price hike necessary to reduce waste and reflect actual disposal costs.

According to the city, as of the end of 2022, the resident burden rate for household waste disposal in Naju City is 10%, which is significantly lower than the national local government average of 30%.

As a result, the city has been facing a huge financial burden in waste collection and landfill operation.

When compared to the prices of volume-based garbage bags in other cities within the province, the average price in four cities is 733.6 won, while Naju’s price is 381.6 won, about 52% of the average. If the proposed increase is approved, the average price will rise to 561.6 won.

The city recently decided on the price increase proposal through the Consumer Policy Deliberation Committee and is currently conducting a legislative notice period until the 17th.

After completing related administrative procedures, council approval, and public awareness campaigns, the city plans to implement the price increase starting in July.

The new prices per bag will be: 5ℓ from 80 won to 110 won, 10ℓ from 130 won to 200 won, 20ℓ from 250 won to 380 won, 30ℓ from 360 won to 510 won, 50ℓ from 570 won to 900 won, and 75ℓ from 900 won to 1,270 won.

A city official stated, “Although we have discussed raising the price of volume-based garbage bags every year and kept it frozen for a long time, this is an unavoidable situation that can no longer be postponed. We ask citizens to actively cooperate in reducing waste through proper separation and disposal in daily life and by limiting the use of disposable products.”

Naju = Kim Yukbong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr