10 Transparent Plastic Bottles Get You One Volume-Based Trash Bag…Suwon Launches Mobile Recycling Exchange

[Suwon Ilbo=Cheon Ui-hyun, Reporter] Suwon Metropolitan City announced on the 6th that it will pilot a "Mobile Smart Resource Circulation Center" through the 28th in the Gosaekkdong area, where citizens can exchange recyclable materials for volume-based trash bags.

The collection vehicle visits single-family and low-rise residential areas to receive recyclable materials and distribute volume-based trash bags on the spot.

The project is one of the city's "Carbon Neutral Green City Development Initiative."

Operations began on the 5th and will run through the 28th every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. The vehicle will operate at three locations: in front of the rear gate of Taesan 2nd Apartment Complex from noon to 2 p.m., at 6 Gosan-ro 5-beon-gil from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and across from Gosaek Station Public Parking Lot from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Collectible items include transparent plastic bottles, cans (aluminum and steel), milk cartons, and used batteries. If you bring 10 or more transparent plastic bottles and cans combined, 1 kg (approximately 35) of milk cartons, or 0.5 kg (approximately 20) of used batteries, you will receive one 10-liter volume-based trash bag in exchange. Each person can receive a maximum of 3 bags per visit.

Disposal methods vary by item. Transparent plastic bottles must have contents rinsed, labels removed, and be flattened. Cans must be emptied and rinsed. Milk cartons should be washed, unfolded, and dried. Used batteries can simply be collected and brought in. Items that do not meet the standards will not be exchanged.

A brief survey will be conducted when people submit recyclables. The city plans to use citizen feedback as basic data for the Mobile Smart Resource Circulation Center project.

A city official stated, "We have established a Mobile Smart Resource Circulation Center to make it easier and more convenient for citizens to separately dispose of recyclable materials," and added, "Based on the pilot operation results, we will improve the collection structure, including compensation for waste disposers, to encourage voluntary citizen participation and promote a resource circulation culture."