Guro-gu turns litter pickup into a digital data project

Guro-gu will launch a new form of environmental volunteer activity that combines litter collection with digital technology.

The district office announced Friday that it signed an MOU with nonprofit Ita Seoul at Renaissance Hall in the district office to promote "our neighborhood data plogging."

"Data plogging" combines plogging — the practice of picking up litter while walking — with the digital recording and accumulation of information about the waste collected. What sets it apart from ordinary litter pickup is that participants document their results as data.

Building on the agreement, Guro-gu will run a pilot program from October through December, organized by the Guro-gu Volunteer Center. Residents and volunteers will be recruited twice a month to carry out activities in key residential areas and neighborhoods in need of environmental cleanup.

Before heading into the field, participants will receive training on how to conduct the activity and how to log waste collection data. They will then collect litter on-site and record the relevant information.

The district will track the number of activities, participant turnout and waste data, and will gather feedback from participants to inform future operations.

In addition, the district plans to publicize how to get involved through neighborhood community centers, volunteer camps and local organizations, and to share outstanding examples of participation to encourage more residents to take part voluntarily.

"I hope this agreement serves as a catalyst for turning small everyday acts of environmental care into meaningful change for our community," Guro-gu District Mayor Jang In-hong said. "We will continue to develop and support a wide range of volunteer activities that residents can join easily and enjoyably."