Yeongjong CleanNet waste system faces debate over costs and operation

The Incheon Metropolitan Council held a public forum on November 19 to discuss the future of the Yeongjong CleanNet, an automated waste collection system that has remained largely non-operational for over a decade.

Constructed in 2014 by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and the Incheon Housing and City Development Corporation (iH) at a cost of approximately 153 billion won, the system consists of 70.4 km of underground pipes and four collection stations. Despite a handover agreement in 2023, local administration has resisted taking over operations due to concerns regarding maintenance costs and operational responsibilities.

Key points of contention during the forum included the ambiguity of cost distribution between the government and residents. Experts and residents raised concerns that repairing the long-dormant infrastructure could cost hundreds of billions of won, potentially placing a heavy financial burden on local apartment owners. Residents expressed skepticism regarding the necessity and efficiency of the system compared to traditional waste collection methods.

In response, Incheon Metropolitan Council member Kim Kwang-hoon proposed forming a consultative body involving residents, government officials, and experts to reach a sustainable solution. Yeongjong-gu District Head Son Hwa-jung emphasized the need for legal reviews and studies on resident benefits and costs to prevent administrative errors from becoming a public financial burden.