Equipment inspections and cold-weather gear distribution aim to prevent accidents; seasonal waste collection runs through December. Snow-clearing crews will cover major arterials and vulnerable sidewalks, with leaf pickup at 13 elementary schools.
Jongno-gu will run its "2026 Winter Cleanup Plan" from Nov. 15 through March 15 to prevent accidents and improve residents' quality of life.
The initiative focuses on advance safety checks of cleaning facilities and equipment, with an emphasis on collecting fallen leaves and kimchi waste and supporting snow removal.
To protect frontline workers, the district will inspect rest facilities used by environmental sanitation workers, checking whether fire department safety checklists and fire extinguishers are in place, verifying that gas canisters are charged and functional, and reviewing overall cleanliness and hygiene. Workers will also receive winter safety training and be issued cold-weather gear including insulated boots, waterproof gloves, winter waders, earmuffs and padded jackets.
Vehicle inspections will run in parallel through Dec. 4, covering transport and collection vehicles from engine and transmission to braking systems, steering and body condition.
The district is also stepping up day-to-day environmental management. A team of 141 sanitation workers, supported by 35 pieces of equipment including road-sweeping vehicles, will collect fallen leaves across the district. Leaf pickup will also extend to 13 elementary schools within the district.
With kimchi-making season under way, the district will publicize proper disposal guidelines for kimchi waste and coal-briquette ash through its website, newsletters and social media. Residents will be reminded that unfermented kimchi scraps must go in standard pay-per-bag waste bags, while fermented kimchi waste belongs in food-waste pay-per-bag bags. Coal-briquette ash should be placed in plain white bags for household disposal, or in pay-per-bag waste bags for commercial premises.
Snow-removal plans are also in place for when snowfall hits. Target areas include major intersections and vulnerable sidewalk stretches across the district. A crew of 125 sanitation workers will deploy 26 blowers and four pieces of heavy equipment to clear snow.
"We will do our utmost — through advance inspections and prompt waste collection and snow removal — to ensure all residents can live safely and comfortably through the winter," District Mayor Yoo Chan-jong said. "We will also pay special attention to the safety of the sanitation workers who are out there on the front lines."
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