156 Tons of Trash Dumped on Olympic-daero and Gangbyeonbuk-ro... "Rewards Offered for Reports"

An Average of 160 Tons of Trash Dumped Annually on 12 Exclusive Roads
From Styrofoam and Cardboard Boxes to Home Appliances
10,000 Won Reward Offered per Report

It has been found that 156 tons of trash were abandoned on Seoul's vehicle-only roads such as Olympic-daero and Gangbyeonbuk-ro last year. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to offer rewards for reports of illegal dumping to prevent accidents.

According to the Seoul Facilities Corporation on May 16, over the past five years, an average of 160 tons of trash per year has been generated on 12 vehicle-only roads, including Olympic-daero, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Dongbu Expressway, Naebu Ring Road, Bukbu Expressway, Gukhoe-daero, Yangjae-daero, Eonju-ro, Seobu Expressway, Gangnam Circular Road, Umyeonsan-ro, and certain sections of the Gyeongbu Expressway.

Vehicles on Seoul Olympic-daero. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Last year alone, 156 tons of trash were dumped, with a wide variety of items including not only styrofoam and cardboard boxes but also furniture, home appliances, and construction materials.

The problem is that illegally dumped trash on vehicle-only roads not only pollutes the surrounding area but also poses a significant risk of causing traffic accidents. In response, the Seoul Facilities Corporation is launching a citizen reporting campaign targeting 12 vehicle-only roads in Seoul. Since last year, the corporation has been operating a KakaoTalk reporting channel to prevent illegal dumping. In particular, this year, to encourage greater citizen participation, the corporation will provide a reward worth 10,000 won for each report. The scope of reports includes not only illegal dumping of trash but also vehicles with improperly loaded cargo or missing covers.

Additionally, the corporation has designated around 30 locations, including in front of Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market on Olympic-daero, near Sky Park in the Nanji direction on Gangbyeonbuk-ro, and near Gunja Bridge on Dongbu Expressway, as habitual dumping sites. These areas will be subject to intensive management, including the installation of CCTV cameras, placement of guidance banners, and installation of fences to prevent dumping in green spaces. Seoul Facilities Corporation President Kim Hyungyoung said, "Illegal dumping of trash on vehicle-only roads is a serious issue that threatens the lives and safety of citizens," adding, "We will do our best to create a more attractive and safer environment for vehicle-only roads so that citizens can use them comfortably."