Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Litterbugs beware: Seoul's new trash reporting initiative aims to help clean up expressways
gettyimagesbank
By Kim Hyun-bin
Seoul Facilities Corp. announced Friday a new campaign aimed at curbing illegal dumping along the city's major expressways, offering cash rewards to citizens who report violations through a dedicated mobile app.
The initiative targets 12 major expressways in the capital, including Olympic-daero, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Dongbu Expressway and Naebu Ring Road, which have long been blighted by illegal dumping. According to the corporation, an average of 160 metric tons of waste has been illegally dumped on these roads annually over the past five years.
The waste found along these expressways varies widely and often poses safety risks. In addition to common trash like disposable containers and cardboard boxes, authorities frequently discover discarded furniture, household appliances and even construction materials dumped along road shoulders and embankments.
Officials warn that such illegal dumping not only degrades the environment but also poses a significant risk to traffic safety. Debris left on or near roadways can lead to accidents, particularly during inclement weather or low visibility.
In response, the city is launching a public reporting channel via the instant messaging app KakaoTalk. Citizens who witness illegal dumping, overloaded cargo or uncovered vehicles can submit reports through the Seoul Expressway Illegal Dumping Reports channel. Verified reports will be rewarded with 10,000 won (approximately $7.16) per case.
The app is only available in Korean.
To report a violation, users need to add the reporting channel by searching its name in KakaoTalk’s friends tab. They must then submit a photo or video clearly showing the license plate of the vehicle responsible for the littering, along with the date and time of the incident.
“We hope this encourages civic participation and deters people from treating public roads as dumping grounds,” the agency said in a statement.
In addition to the tipster campaign, Seoul Facilities Corp. has identified over 30 illegal dumping hotspots, including areas such as the stretch of Olympic-daero near Noryangjin Fish Market, a section of Gangbyeonbuk-ro near Haneul Park and parts of the Dongbu Expressway near Gunja Bridge.
At these locations, the city plans to intensify surveillance and enforcement by installing additional CCTV cameras, putting up warning banners and erecting green fencing to discourage littering. Crews will also increase the frequency of cleanup operations in those zones.
“Illegal dumping on expressways is not just an eyesore — it’s a threat to the safety and lives of Seoul’s drivers,” said an official from Seoul Facilities Corp. “We call on all citizens to actively participate by submitting reports and helping us protect our roads.”