Korean Job Discussion Forums

[burnt-toast]

Thought it was just me

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/10/177_31900.html

[OnTheOtherSide]

I don't understand this either. Around here, they have cleaning crews that sweep up all the trash and litter at about 3 a.m. These people go around seeping up huge, huge areas. It seems like it would be easier for them to unload trash cans instead of sweeping up the entire sidewalk huh?

[IncognitoHFX]

[prideofidaho]

Yeah, it is really weird.

I heard a conspiracy theory that they were all taken away. The story goes that you didn't always have to pay for city garbage bags, but rather could use any old garbage bag. When these pay-bags were introduced, people began using the public bins rather than pay for the bags, so they were all taken away.

I'd love to know if this is true.

There's one outside of some random building in Dongdaemun. Weird.

[prideofidaho]

well, I said it better anyway.

[exit86]

Actually you are dead on Idaho. The problem was that, with the new
pay-per-bag system, thrifty older folks used the public bins. In reaction,
the city put lids on the bins with small holes. The thriftsters then simply lifted the lids. So, the city then installed locks on the lids; and, guess what happened . . . the thriftsters broke the locks. So, the bins were simply removed until a better solution might arise. Sort of funny.

Also, as many of us may also remember, the bins in the Seoul subway
were removed post 9/11 in fear of terrorist bombings.

I personally think the bins at Incheon airport are a great solution: they are simply a sturdy, transparent trash bag fitted onto a frame. Cheap,
easy to use, and safe in that any suspicious objects/devices can be easily seen.

[prideofidaho]

Thanks. I'm giggling thinking about a bunch of weirdos sitting around trying to one-up the thrifty oldies, and someone jumps up and shouts "We'll just make the holes smaller!

I've learned you've got to wake up pretty early to be more resourceful that a thrifty oldie.

[Rob'sdad]

Don't forget the trash cans on fire from the cigarette butts getting tossed in at bus stops.

[cruisemonkey]

I my city one can buy garbage bags... or not. If one throws away (leaves on the sidewalk) garbage in 'any old bag' they still take it away.

[Dasein]

From the article: "It doesn't take Stephen Hawkins to realize that"

It's irony on a base level, but it works.

[seoulsucker]

[Ilsanman]

Just a basic garbage tax for all households would be the solution.

The problem with this....it is logical.