Gwangju Metropolitan City to Operate 'Resource Recycling Activity Group' for Elderly Waste Collectors This Year

【Financial News Gwangju=Hwang Tae-jong Reporter】Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 14th that it will operate the 'Resource Recycling Activity Group' again this year to protect the safety and health of elderly waste collectors vulnerable to heatwaves.
 This project, a heatwave safety job, has been implemented by Gwangju City since last year as the first in the nation. This year, it reflects the opinions of last year's participants and the realistic conditions of maintaining collection areas by operating 'prohibited waste collection times during heatwave hours.'
 Accordingly, participating elderly will suspend waste collection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the scorching August and will engage in relatively safe and non-strenuous tasks such as environmental cleanup activities or sorting recyclables indoors or in the shade.
 Gwangju City provides safety education and alternative jobs to offer not only safety but also economic assistance to elderly waste collectors, along with a 200,000 won allowance.
 Additionally, Gwangju City is distributing protective kits containing sun hats, fluorescent sleeves, cooling wipes, cooling towels, cooling patches, insect repellent, and heatwave behavior guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses to about 600 elderly waste collectors, receiving positive feedback from them.
 Jeong Mi-gyeong, head of Gwangju City's Resource Circulation Division, said, "We will closely monitor to ensure a healthy and safe summer for elderly waste collectors again this year," adding, "Above all, please remember that water, shade, and rest are the best heatwave safety rules."

hwangtae@fnnews.com Hwang Tae-jong Reporter