Yeongdeungpo Community Self-Support Center Holds Opening Ceremony for Reusable Container Collection and Washing 'Eco Washing' on the 9th
Venue Collects, Cleans, Disinfects, and Packages Reusable Containers from Lunchbox Companies
Building Self-Support Infrastructure to Provide Jobs for Vulnerable Groups and Promote Eco-Friendly Culture by Reducing Single-Use Products
Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it will operate the ‘Eco Washing’ reusable container cleaning project through the Yeongdeungpo Community Self-Support Center to create jobs for socially vulnerable groups and promote the transition away from plastic.
‘Eco Washing,’ a self-support labor project of the Yeongdeungpo Community Self-Support Center, collects, cleans, and disinfects reusable containers used by event venues, lunchbox companies, and others, allowing businesses to reuse them.
The project aims to provide basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty individuals with work ability the opportunity to experience various job roles, enhance their work skills and self-support motivation, and establish a foundation for economic independence. Additionally, by expanding the use of reusable containers instead of disposable products, the district plans to foster an eco-friendly culture that considers the environment.
On the 9th, the district held an opening ceremony for ‘Eco Washing’ at the Yeongdeungpo Community Self-Support Center’s self-support labor project group located in Singil-dong, signing contracts with five Dream Plus Schools (schools for individuals with developmental disabilities) and officially launching the project. The facility covers approximately 373㎡ (about 113 pyeong) and is equipped with two cleaning lines, a disinfection room, and a packaging room, making it the largest Eco Washing facility in Seoul.
Currently, 15 self-support workers are active. They directly collect used reusable containers such as cups, meal trays, and dishes from contracted companies. The containers then undergo pre-washing, ultrasonic cleaning, sterilization, drying, and packaging before being redistributed as new reusable containers.
In the future, the district plans to expand the scope of Eco Washing activities by identifying additional demand sources such as local festivals, event venues, and movie theaters that require large quantities of containers.
Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “The best welfare is building infrastructure that enables vulnerable groups to become self-reliant.” He added, “‘Eco Washing’ is a successful virtuous cycle project that addresses both job issues for vulnerable groups and environmental problems in the local community, and we will operate it to establish it as a model case for local governments.”
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