Gwangju Dong-gu (District Chief Lim Taek) announced on the 19th that it has established a paper pack collection system by linking the resource circulation platform 'Donggurami ON' at the Sansu-dong Eco-friendly Resource Circulation Center with the 'Senior Job Program'.
The recycling rate of paper packs in Korea is only 13.2% (as of 2023, Korea Resource Circulation Service Agency), which is far below the mandatory recycling rate of 29.3% required by the 'Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)' system, even though paper packs are subject to mandatory recycling packaging materials.
Paper packs, mainly made from natural pulp, can become high-quality resources such as toilet paper or white board paper if properly recycled. However, due to their tendency to spoil easily without thorough washing and drying, and the lack of a dedicated collection system, the recycling rate remains very low.
The project to establish a paper pack collection system in Dong-gu involves the Eco-friendly Resource Circulation Center, Gwangju Environmental Movement Association, Neulpureun Youth Education and Culture Center, YourStep, and other private, public, and environmental organizations, as well as senior job program institutions. They plan to develop a new paper pack collection model in connection with Donggurami ON, build a cooperative system with 500 cafes and bakeries in the Dong-gu area, and collect paper packs. Cafes and other businesses that dispose of paper packs can receive rewards through Donggurami ON.
In particular, the project plans not only to collect paper packs but also to use data for performance management, monitoring, and policy development. In addition, they will develop content related to carbon neutrality points through the resource circulation cooperation system and promote the reduction of single-use products (such as using tumblers).
To promote this project, Dong-gu held a 'Paper Pack Circulation System Establishment Workshop' last month at the Eco-friendly Resource Circulation Center to discuss revitalizing paper pack recycling.
Lim Taek, the district chief, said, "We hope that many cafes and other businesses will participate in this project to create a sustainable resource circulation culture," and added, "We will continue to implement resource circulation policies that residents can experience in their daily lives."
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