Busan Decides to Close Myeongji Resource Energy Center... Phased Closure by 2033

Aging facility after 23 years of operation; technical diagnosis identifies need for closure

Business agreement with Gangseo District to ensure stable waste management

Busan City has decided to close the Myeongji Resource Energy Center, which has processed municipal waste for 23 years. The decision was made in light of concerns about the facility's aging infrastructure and safety. The city has set 2033 as the target year for its closure.

Busan City Mayor Jeon Jae-soo announced on October 30 that the city had decided to close the Myeongji Resource Energy Center. The decision took into account the final technical diagnosis report under Article 13 of the Act on Support for Environmental Technology and Environmental Industry, as well as an official closure request submitted by the head of Gangseo District on October 28.

The center began operating in 2003 and has processed Busan's municipal waste for 23 years. A recently completed technical diagnosis identified the need to close the facility because of its aging infrastructure. Busan City determined that continuing operations after major repairs would not be advisable. The city said it had prioritized reviewing the existing facility's condition, safety, and suitability for future operation, independently of whether new incineration facilities are expanded.

The facility will continue to be managed until its closure. Busan City plans to continuously monitor emissions through stack emissions monitoring systems (TMS) and make the results public. It will also conduct environmental impact surveys in the surrounding area. The city plans to carry out essential repairs and upgrades within its budget to ensure safe operations until closure.

Alongside the closure decision, the city is also pursuing measures to manage municipal waste. Busan City plans to mobilize its administrative resources to respond to the 2030 ban on direct landfilling of municipal waste and establish a stable waste management system by 2033. It will comprehensively review measures to improve facility efficiency, reduce waste, and promote recycling. The city will also consult with all 16 districts and counties to establish a joint response system that shares responsibility for waste management.

Before the briefing that day, Busan City and Gangseo District signed a business agreement on matters related to closing the Myeongji Resource Energy Center and ensuring the stable management of municipal waste. The signing ceremony was attended by Mayor Jeon Jae-soo, Gangseo District Mayor Park Sang-jun, and Gangseo District city council members. The two sides agreed to close the facility and cooperate on related matters.

Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said, "Trust in public administration comes from stability and predictability. Matters that have a significant impact on people's lives must be decided through official procedures and review."

He added, "We will establish a stable waste management system with the Myeongji Resource Energy Center's closure targeted for 2033," and said, "We will fulfill our responsibilities to the end to ensure there are no disruptions to waste management across Busan."

Busan City Hall.

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