After growing criticism against the current system, which many critics say discourages people from reducing the amount of food waste they produce, the local government has decided to introduce a new usage-based food waste collection system. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Seo District in Daejeon is introducing a usage-based food waste disposal system at apartment complexes as part of efforts to reduce food waste by 20 percent.
As of now, residents at most of the apartment blocks in Seo District are charged a flat rate regardless of each individual’s food waste output.
After growing criticism against the current system, which many critics say discourages people from reducing the amount of food waste they produce, the local government has decided to introduce a new usage-based food waste collection system.
Using smart food waste containers that come with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, individuals will be charged different rates based on the amount of food waste on their RFID card, which, government officials expect, should discourage people from producing unnecessary food waste.
During a trial run at seven apartment buildings in 2015, the district in Daejeon actually experienced a 40 percent drop in the amount of food waste produced.
After the success two years ago, the district government will introduce 32 RFID-chipped smart food waste containers after holding a bidding contest in search of a contract company.
“With active participation from local residents, we hope to reduce food waste by 20 percent,” Jang Jong-tae, the head of Seo District, said.
Applications are open until the end of this month for residents of apartment blocks in Seo District.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
