Seongnam Installs Paper Carton Recycling Bins Across All Apartment Complexes

The Seongnam City Government in Gyeonggi Province has announced the installation of dedicated paper carton recycling bins across all apartment complexes in the city, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management and resource circulation.

A total of 2,500 collection bins will be deployed at recycling stations in 429 apartment complexes by April 3. The bins are designed as rectangular steel units equipped with vinyl collection bags and will be accompanied by instructional signage to guide residents on proper disposal practices.

Residents are encouraged to prepare cartons for recycling by removing straws, plastic coverings, and other attachments, rinsing them clean, flattening them, and separating regular cartons from aseptic cartons before placing them in the designated bins.

Collected materials will be handled by the city’s waste collection and transport contractors and delivered to paper manufacturers, where they will be recycled into products such as toilet paper and facial tissues.

To support the initiative, Seongnam City will distribute instructional videos on correct carton disposal to apartment management offices. Public awareness efforts will also include promotions via 250 Bus Information System (BIS) displays, official social media platforms, and municipal communication channels.

The project has been allocated a budget of 250 million won (approximately $185,000). According to city officials, Seongnam is the first municipality in South Korea to implement a citywide paper carton collection system across all apartment complexes using its own funding.

Officials have called on residents to actively participate in the program, highlighting its role in improving recycling rates and fostering a culture of sustainable resource use in everyday life.