New system aims to reduce food waste by 20%

The government has set a goal of reducing the nation`s food waste by 20 percent through a new disposal system.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the new system would impose differential charges on each household in proportion to the amount of food waste they chuck out.

The system is expected to be implemented from 2012 in 144 local administrative units nationwide, covering 95 percent of the population.

"Based on the data for 2007, almost 15,000 tons of food waste is generated every day. And the economic losses are expected to reach 25 trillion won ($21 billion) by 2012. In order to reduce the growing amount, the government has decided to take such a comprehensive countermeasure nationwide," said a ministry official.

The government will confirm the plan today during its seventh committee meeting for green growth.



Before full implementation, a pilot program using RFID technology will start in 10 local governments.

The RFID system would manage the information in every process of food waste, and monitor the amount disposed.

The city of Jeonju in North Jeolla Province has already introduced the RFID-equipped waste collecting container and has charged citizens since April. During the first two months of operation, the amount of food waste produced in the region dropped by 20 percent, the ministry said.

Along with implementing the new system, the government also plans to conduct a national campaign aiming to improve Korean food culture.

Korean food, or hansik, is known for its various side dishes. However, that aspect has sometimes led to an excessive amount of food waste.

As part of the campaign, the government will provide smaller or sectioned dishware to 100,000 restaurants by 2012 to reduce the amount of food customers are routinely given.

Simple but high quality food items also will be developed and distributed to restaurants in the areas near government offices such as Gwanghwamun in Seoul and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province.

Some of the dishes will be prepared during the G20 summit, which is scheduled to be held November in Seoul.

(jylee@heraldm.com)



By Lee Ji-yoon