Suwon Reduces Garbage by 8.3% in Just One Month of Operating 'Saebbit Environmental Guardians'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City has achieved an 8.3% reduction in garbage generation in just one month of operating the 'Saebbit Environmental Guardians' program.

The Saebbit Environmental Guardians, launched in July, evaluates garbage increase or decrease on a daily basis at 706 village sites (399 multi-unit housing facilities and 307 single-unit housing garbage disposal hubs) across Suwon. The program consists of 999 on-site workers including environmental managers, resource managers, and illegal dumping enforcement officers.

During August, garbage generated in Suwon totaled 11,106 tons, a decrease of 8.3% (1,011 tons) from July (12,117 tons).

Since August, the city has launched the 'Saebbit Citizens' 30g Daily Garbage Reduction Challenge.' The challenge runs through December.

The goal is for 1.23 million Suwon citizens to each reduce daily household waste generation by 30 grams, reducing total garbage by 13,516 tons this year.

The 13,516 tons represents 10% of Suwon's expected total household waste generation of 135,835 tons for this year. One delivery container, three takeout cups, and six ramen packages each weigh approximately 30 grams.

Based on evaluation results, the city will provide incentives worth a total of 100 million won to 36 villages, representing 5% of the 706 villages, in January next year.

The city plans to conduct joint garbage reduction campaigns with various organizations including local merchant associations and promote garbage reduction at events such as the Suwon Hwaseong Culture Festival.

Starting with this year's 13,516-ton reduction target, the city has set a goal to reduce annual expected garbage generation by 20% over the next three years.

A city official stated, "The Saebbit Environmental Guardians are playing a significant role in reducing household waste," and added, "We will do our best to achieve our garbage reduction targets."