Why Are Garbage Bags So Expensive?

● Suwon City Garbage Bag Prices Rise Two Days in a Row

Suwon City's garbage bag prices became an issue for two consecutive days, following the General Affairs Development Committee's administrative audit on the 25th.
On the 26th, Councilmember Kim Myeong-uk questioned the Environmental Bureau's Sanitation Administration Division during an administrative audit, stating: "According to administrative audit materials submitted by the city, the price of Suwon's 50-liter garbage disposal bags is 1,500 won, which is more expensive than other cities and provinces such as Seoul, Incheon, Daegu, and Ulsan. What is the reason for this higher price?"

Environmental Bureau Director Kim Jung-su responded, saying: "While garbage bag prices nationwide are being adjusted upward, if we lower prices, the city budget would have to cover the shortage. In terms of self-sufficiency, since the city currently operates its own incineration facility, it doesn't seem particularly expensive."

Additionally, Director Kim cited calcium carbonate used in garbage bag production as a reason for the higher price. "In Suwon's case, we specially add calcium carbonate to bags to increase incineration efficiency," the director said, adding, "We believe this is also good for the environment."

In response, Councilmember Kim Myeong-uk countered: "In fact, calcium carbonate bags have no efficiency and do not have a positive environmental impact whatsoever. The special calcium carbonate manufacturing only increases costs, and consumers bear the entire burden rather than the incineration facility."

Furthermore, Councilmember Kim stated: "The calcium carbonate method has been used for over 10 years now, and in reality, it has no efficiency while only raising production costs. There are many good technologies available. Please consider methods to lower unit costs."

In response, Environmental Bureau Director Kim Jung-su said: "Since this applies nationwide, if your statement is correct, I will request an inquiry through the Public Procurement Service."

Next, Councilmember Kim Myeong-uk raised concerns about the city's "10% Garbage Reduction Campaign" that was prioritized this year. Councilmember Kim pointed out: "This year, while the city pursued a 10% garbage reduction campaign, it spent approximately 100 million won on indirect costs such as promotional materials production. Rather than reducing garbage, it actually increased."

Councilmember Kim further said: "Wasn't this a waste of 100 million won in showcase administration? The city shows no sign of actively making efforts. Please establish and implement more practical measures."
Director Jo In-sang of the Sanitation Administration Division responded: "Your point is valid. We will supplement and prepare measures going forward."

● Out of 1.8 Billion Won in Sanitation Contract Fees, 470 Million Won Goes to Executives' Pockets

A sanitation contractor designated by Suwon City submitted income disclosure materials to the city that differ from those submitted to the tax office before the legislative audit, raising suspicions of tax irregularities.

Additionally, the contractor received 1.8 billion won in contract fees from the city, of which executives' salaries totaled 470 million won, accounting for 38% of total expenses.

On the 26th, Councilmember Yoon Kyung-seon raised the issue during the Economy & Environment Committee's administrative audit of the Sanitation Administration Division, stating: "The designated S company submitted salary payment details to the city that differ from those submitted to the tax office. According to this data, there are no indirect cost items, only direct costs listed, and the amounts don't match at all."

Councilmember Yoon stated: "The company president apparently hardly comes to the office, yet receives 10 million won per month. Even excluding that, the total amount differs by approximately 100 million won, so the credibility of the data is questionable. This becomes a tax audit issue."

According to the administrative audit materials, the income disclosure status of the eight executives shows the president receiving 100 million won, with the site director, directors, and auditor receiving 70 million won, totaling 470 million won.

However, the company's direct labor costs this year are approximately 618 million won, with executives' salaries constituting most of it.
Councilmember Yoon stated: "That's not all. The company's net income for the period exceeds 200 million won. If we include net income with executive salaries, they're taking over 600 million won total. The net income is not credible either. The labor costs appear to have been reported excessively. Overall, there is a problem with the reporting method."

Councilmember Yoon continued: "There are too many management positions. Isn't this something the city should address? The company president receives 10 million won monthly but doesn't even show up to work. Rather, what measures will the city take regarding how to determine the number of executives?"

In response, Sanitation Administration Director Jo In-sang said: "There is indeed a problem. We plan to implement cost controls going forward. Starting this month, adjustments will be made through voluntary resolutions."

Director Jo further explained: "However, since we provide contract fees, I think it doesn't matter whether we use 2 or 10 people with 500 million won if we only control costs. Whether working or non-working personnel receive costs, I cannot control personnel, but I can control costs."

Councilmember Jung Dong-geun also stepped up to support Councilmember Yoon. Councilmember Jung stated: "While we have no authority to dictate labor costs, in fact, the city's outsourced work management is flawed. If outsourcing were done properly, this situation would never occur." Addressing S company representatives, Councilmember Jung asked: "Why are indirect labor costs set so high? If workers' salaries were paid properly, this wouldn't happen. What's the reason?"

An S company representative answered: "This resulted from applying annual increases each year, with no special reason."
Councilmember Jung requested: "Whether it's city business or corporate operations, transparent and sound management is best. The city should pay more attention to outsourcing."

● CCTV as Decoration

This year, zero cases of illegal dumping were detected through CCTV installed in Jangan-gu and Paldal-gu. Currently, one CCTV is installed in Jangan-gu and two in Paldal-gu. However, no enforcement or detection results have been achieved through them.

On the 26th, Councilmember Shim Sang-ho questioned during the Economy & Environment Committee's administrative audit of the Sanitation Administration Division: "Why are there no results from the installed CCTV?"

Sanitation Administration Director Jo In-sang explained: "In reality, CCTV is used for deterrent effects rather than enforcement, since it requires verification at the office afterward, making the process complicated. The preventive effect is significant."

Councilmember Shim requested: "Beyond prevention, CCTV should be capable of multi-purpose use including detection. Please operate the CCTV more efficiently."