Gwanak-gu to Distribute 50 RFID Food Waste Meters... 48% Reduction in Food Waste

Park Junhee Vows “100% Distribution to Apartment Complexes by 2030”

Gwanak-gu in Seoul will distribute an additional 50 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) food waste meters this year to reduce food waste and establish an efficient disposal system.

Photo of the food waste meter installation in Gwanak-gu (Cheongnim-dong Gwanak Hyundai Apartment). Provided by Gwanak-gu.

The RFID food waste meters allow households to dispose of food waste by recognizing individual cards. The amount of waste disposed is transmitted in real time to the Environmental Corporation's system, and fees are charged based on usage. This method enables residents to pay according to the amount of waste they generate, significantly reducing food waste and improving convenience for residents.

Since 2018, Gwanak-gu has expanded the distribution of food waste meters every year. To date, 684 units have been installed in 71 apartment complexes, providing services to 39,368 households. A comparison of data before and after installation showed that food waste disposal decreased by approximately 48%.

This year, a total budget of 97 million KRW will be used to distribute 50 additional meters. Priority for applications is given to apartment complexes and officetels with 60 or more households. If there are not enough applicants, the program will be expanded to small apartment complexes and business facilities with 20 or more households. Applications must be submitted by June 16, either by mail or in person to the Cleaning Administration Division, and must include a resolution from the residents' representative meeting.

In addition to distributing food waste meters, the district is also implementing various policies to reduce food waste. In April, the district launched its first “Subsidy Program for the Purchase of Household Food Waste Processors,” which received a strong response, with 756 households applying for 625 available spots.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, stated, “We will actively support the goal of distributing food waste meters to 100% of apartment complexes by 2030,” and added, “We will continue our efforts to reduce food waste and create a pleasant living environment.”