Seoul's Paper Pack Recycling Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Seoul Environmental Union recently released a detailed report on the status of paper pack recycling across the city. Conducted from July 18 to November 3, 2023, the study focused on 25 districts, revealing diverse practices and challenges in the collection and recycling of paper packs.
Two Types of Paper Packs, Diverse Recycling Processes
The report identifies two main types of paper packs: general packs, commonly used for milk, and sterilized packs coated with aluminum (Tetra Packs). General packs have PE coating, while sterilized packs have both PE and aluminum coatings, requiring different recycling processes.
Disparities in Collection Practices
The investigation found that the absence of a unified collection system led to discrepancies among districts. While some collected both general and sterilized packs separately, others did not differentiate or collect either. A unique case was observed in Dongdaemun-gu, where the district relied on citizen-initiated collection requests, providing compensation based on the collected weight.
Challenges in Recycling and Sorting
Several districts lacked efficient sorting facilities, with only a few distinguishing between general and sterilized packs. The report highlights concerns about inaccurate classification, hindering proper recycling processes.
Rewards and Recognition: Varied Approaches
The report identifies 20 districts using administrative welfare centers for paper pack collection, with 14 collecting both general and sterilized packs, six collecting only general packs, and five not collecting either. Interestingly, Dongdaemun-gu, despite not utilizing administrative centers, employed a rewarding system for direct citizen-initiated collection.
Innovative Initiatives and Smart Collection
Some districts stood out for innovative approaches, with Gangnam-gu, Gangseo-gu, and Seongdong-gu collecting both types of packs, employing smart collection machines, or providing rewards in the form of general paper products.
Recycling Challenges and Environmental Impact
The report emphasizes the importance of improving paper pack recycling systems, considering the declining recycling rates over the years. Challenges include the absence of comprehensive collection mechanisms, insufficient public awareness, and the limited use of recycled paper products.
Recommendations for Improvement
In response to the findings, the Seoul Environmental Union urges the government to implement measures such as introducing a unified collection system, expanding public awareness campaigns, and enhancing recycling facilities. The report signals the beginning of the union's continued efforts to advocate for a more robust paper pack recycling infrastructure in Seoul.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Q: What are the main challenges identified in Seoul's paper pack recycling system? A: The challenges include the absence of a unified collection system, variations in recycling practices among districts, and difficulties in differentiating between general and sterilized paper packs.
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