Gyeonggi-do Supports Replacement of Old Washing Machines in Small Laundry Shops

Gyeonggi Province will implement the ‘Small-scale Laundry Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Reduction Support Project,’ which supports the replacement of old washing machines with eco-friendly washing machines in small-scale laundries (processing capacity under 30kg) this year in six areas including Yongin and Hanam.

This project provides up to 40 million KRW, covering 80% of the installation cost (20% self-payment), when installing eco-friendly washing machines that emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are causes of fine dust and ozone.

According to a research report by the Ministry of Environment, installing eco-friendly washing machines (integrated type) reduces volatile organic compounds by about 99% or more, ozone formation potential by about 92%, and organic aerosol formation potential by about 97%, respectively.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

The actual effectiveness will also be verified through pollution inspections before and after the replacement of eco-friendly washing machines at the workplaces, and if the project proves to be effective, plans to expand the support project are being actively considered.

Gyeonggi Province will select equipment companies for manufacturing and installing eco-friendly washing machines in March. Afterwards, support laundries will be selected in six areas where the project has been applied for, including Yongin, Hanam, Uiwang, Pocheon, Yeoju, and Dongducheon, replacing a total of 17 machines. Laundry business owners who wish to participate in the project can apply to their respective city or county offices.

Lee Yoon-sung, Director of the Air Environment Management Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "By supporting the replacement of eco-friendly washing machines in small-scale laundries, we will reduce organic solvent emissions, protect the health of residents, and improve the air environment."