Yongsan District Expands "Food Waste Collection Container Cleaning Service"

Target Expanded by 40%
Support Provided to 905 Restaurants

Starting this month, Yongsan District in Seoul will expand its "Food Waste Collection Container Cleaning Service" to cover 905 small restaurants in major commercial areas over the next five months. This represents a 40% increase from last year, when approximately 650 restaurants participated. The service area includes five locations: Gyeongridan-gil, Itaewon World Food Street, Itaewon Quynon-gil, Yongridan-gil, and the area around Sookdaeipgu Station.

Promotional Material for Food Waste Collection Container Cleaning Service. Provided by Yongsan District.

The cleaning schedule is adjusted according to the season. By default, cleaning is conducted once every two weeks, but during the peak summer months of July and August, the frequency increases to once a week for intensive management. This year, a total of 15 cleanings will be provided per establishment.

The district has been implementing this project since last year to create a cleaner urban environment and prevent odors and bacteria during the summer. This year, the focus is on expanding the service area and intensively managing hygiene issues that worsen as temperatures rise in the summer months.

Specialized companies carry out the cleaning using small vehicles equipped with high-temperature, high-pressure steam cleaners. After food waste is collected, the containers are cleaned with hot steam and eco-friendly disinfectant, then finished by removing moisture and residue with nonwoven fabric.

Park Heeyoung, head of Yongsan District, stated, "Last year, this project helped create cleaner, more walkable streets," and added, "We are expanding the initiative to protect residents' health and leave a positive impression on tourists."

Meanwhile, Yongsan District is also promoting the mandatory labeling of business names on food waste collection containers, as well as compliance with designated disposal times and locations. The district also plans to actively consider replacing contaminated containers as needed.