The Do’s and Don’ts: A Foreigners Guide to Waste and Recycling in Korea

Stepping into Seoul? Immediately, you’ll see how waste and recycling in Korea are leading the way to a sustainable future. Given their escalating focus on environmental conservation, Korea prioritizes waste disposal and recycling. However, navigating this system might seem a bit challenging at first. So, let’s dive in and let ThKorea unravel what you must know about waste and recycling in Korea.

Importance of Proper Waste Disposal

Waste and recycling in Korea isn’t merely about keeping things tidy. It’s an active strategy aimed at reducing waste, boosting recyclin

g, and guaranteeing a sustainable future. By charging residents for their waste, they motivate them to reduce excess and recycle in Korea more. Today, every piece of waste, even recyclables, gets sorted and sent to recycling plants. Meanwhile, food waste turns into fertilizers or animal feed.

The Waste Bag System

Every household in Korea follows a strict waste bag system. You can’t just throw away waste in any bag. They must be in specialized waste bags. The major categories include:

• Food Waste (음식물 쓰레기): Toss in all your uneaten meals here.
• Recyclables (재활용품): This category embraces plastics, paper, metals, and the like.
• Non-Recyclables/Regular (일반 쓰레기): These are the items you just can’t recycle.
• Large items (대형 폐기물): These are the hefty things that won’t snugly fit into your regular bags.

Pro Tip: All Waste and Recycling bags have a very handy maximum fill line to prevent overstuffing!

How to Buy Bags for Waste and Recycling in Korea?

In each district (구, gu), you must buy the designated bags. Using bags from a different district could lead to a fine. They offer bags in various sizes like 10L, 20L, and 100L for general waste, and 2L or 5L for food scraps. You can commonly purchase these at local grocery stores, marts, or convenience shops.

Keep these phrases ready for smoother interactions:

• Do you have general waste bags? – 일반 쓰레기 봉투 있어요? (il-ban sseu-le-gi bong-tu iss-eo-yo?)
• Do you have food waste bags? – 음식물 쓰레기 봉투 있어요? (eum-sig-mul sseu-le-gi bong-tu iss-eo-yo?)

Stay cautious! Mixing waste or using an incorrect bag can result in penalties. The authorities can pinpoint culprits by inspecting waste and leveraging any found contact information.

The Intricacies of Waste and Recycling in Korea

Waste and recycling in Korea is highly systematic, especially when it comes to recyclables:

• Paper (종이류): Recycle only clean sheets. If a paper is food-stained, toss it as regular waste.
• Cartons (종이팩): This category encompasses milk cartons, paper towel rolls, and tissue boxes. Just make sure they’re spotless.
• Plastic Containers (플라스틱류): Think of colorful drink containers or detergent bottles.
• Vinyl (비닐류): This refers to the neat protective wraps and plastic bags you come across.
• Clear PET bottles (투명페트병) are interesting: These transparent plastic bottles often find a second life as clothing, bags, and more.
• White Styrofoam (흰색 스티로폼류): If they housed appliances, consider returning them to the store or recycling.
• Glass Bottles (유리병): Many get reused, and some even offer a deposit refund.
• Metals (금속캔 및 고철류) cover drink cans, food cans, and various metal items.
• Clothing/Fabrics (의류/섬유류): Opt to donate or recycle items like clothing, shoes, bags, and curtains.

The Beautiful Store https://www.beautifulstore.org/eng/ is one of many Second-Hand stores dotted around Seoul where you can donate the items that you know longer want, but would love for someone else to cherish.

How to separate recyclables for disposal

Food waste (compost)

What do I do with old Furniture (Large-sized Waste) and Electrical Goods?

• When it comes to large furniture items, part of the management protocols of waste and recycling in Korea is scheduling a pick-up through your local district office, often for a nominal fee. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, many items find a second life when donated or sold to second-hand shops.
• Shifting gears to electronic devices, remember that numerous stores provide recycling options upon purchasing a new product. Furthermore, for those cumbersome electronics, it’s advisable to reach out to your district office to arrange a pickup. Additionally, there are dedicated collection sites specifically designed for e-waste, ensuring safe disposal.

Follow this link for an example of a District Site for the Dongdaemun-Gu District’s Waste and Recycling for further information on pick-up times/date for large waste and recycling items: https://www.ddm.go.kr/eng/contents.do?key=1055

Disposing of Oversized Waste in South Korea

Option1. Online : Visit your local district office’s website, complete the oversized garbage disposal process online, and print the sticker. Payment options include credit cards or bank transfers. Note that a Korean bank account may be required for online payment.

Option2. District Office Option : Go to your local district office or a neighborhood office (동사무소 or 주민센터) in person. Request a garbage disposal sticker, provide item details and your address (preferably in Korean), and make the payment, preferably in cash.

Lastly, Prepare for Pickup: After receiving the sticker, prepare your oversized item for pickup.

On the Streets: Waste and Recycling in Korea

In Korea, strict waste management exists, yet you might find fewer public waste bins, particularly in busy downtown areas. This scarcity stems from concerns like unpleasant smells, steep disposal expenses, and residents’ misuse.

However, this isn’t a green light to litter. Breaking the rules can cost you:

• Dropping tissues or cigarette butts: 50,000 won
• Depositing household waste in public bins: 100,000 won
• Using incorrect trash bags: 200,000 won

Pro Tip: If you do find yourself roaming around the streets of Seoul in dire need of a waste bin, try a subway station as they are generally equipped with one!

A Final Look at Waste and Recycling in Korea

Navigating the intricacies of waste and recycling in Korea isn’t merely about complying with local norms; it’s a powerful testament to your active role in Korea’s passionate stride toward environmental sustainability. With each step we take, we are resonating with Korea’s unwavering commitment to crafting a greener world. Every person, whether local or foreign, doesn’t just participate; they become an integral thread in this beautiful tapestry of eco-consciousness.

Let’s not only recognize but truly celebrate our shared duty. By staying informed and continually adapting, we can collaboratively pave the way for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow. And always remember, each small effort, even if it’s just disposing of one waste bag correctly, contributes monumentally to this grand vision!