Incheon to Assess Household Waste Reduction Performance in 11 Districts, Aiming for 8% Cut by 2030

On September 21, Incheon City announced that it will carry out the “2026 Household Waste Reduction Performance Assessment” for 11 districts and counties to ensure the stable implementation of the direct landfill ban policy for household waste.

The city set a target to reduce the household waste generated last year—which totaled 332,642 tons—by 8%, lowering it to 300,631 tons by 2030. The assessment will quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate each local government’s performance and policies based on their reduction achievements over the eight months from January to August this year.

The quantitative evaluation, or “household waste reduction rate,” will enhance objectivity by carefully adjusting for changes in population across districts and counties. The qualitative evaluation, or “efforts to implement policies,” will examine whether comprehensive plans were established and review the progress of projects for each local government. In the “policy dissemination and public relations” category, particular emphasis will be placed on assessing creative and exemplary cases that could serve as models for other municipalities, as well as citizen participation in promotional activities.

Sudokwon Landfill Site in Seo-gu, Incheon. Yonhap News Agency

Based on the results, the city plans to recommend one outstanding local government for a commendation from the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. In addition, to encourage the continued implementation of reduction policies next year, Incheon will provide financial support for reduction projects—amounting to 650 million won this year—to foster voluntary participation and the spread of best practices.

A city official stated, “Reducing household waste is a crucial task for achieving zero direct landfill and establishing a sustainable resource-circulating city,” adding, “We will enhance the effectiveness of our policies by carefully linking thorough evaluations and practical support, so that the diverse reduction efforts by districts and counties translate into tangible results on the ground.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.