Understanding South Korea's Recycling System

For many foreign residents in South Korea, navigating the country's renowned waste management system can feel like decoding a complex puzzle. Unlike in some countries where recycling is straightforward, South Korea's system is highly structured, with various categories and regulations to follow. Here's a breakdown to help you tackle the challenge:

General Waste:

This category encompasses everyday household items like tissue paper, receipts, diapers, and certain mixed-material packaging. These items are disposed of in special general waste bags.

Food Waste:
Anything edible falls into this category, from fruit peels to meats. Notably, items like onion skins, tea bags, and eggshells should be disposed of in general waste bags.

Recyclables:
South Korea boasts six recycling categories: Plastic, Can, Glass, Paper, Vinyl, and Styrofoam. Ensure you clean and empty recyclables before placing them in designated bins or bags. Remember to remove plastic bottle labels as well.

Large-sized Waste:
To properly dispose of large items like furniture and appliances, you'll need to follow specific procedures. You can either visit your local community service center or access your Gu Office website to buy stamp notes. These notes should be attached to your bulky waste before disposal.

Special Waste:
Electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials demand special disposal methods. Locate designated disposal locations or contact your Community Service Center for guidance.

Clothes:
Clothing bins are available for disposing of clothes, curtains, shoes, and bags in your residential area.

It's essential to purchase specific waste bags for general and food waste, available in various sizes from convenience or grocery stores in your district. Some regions may implement an electronic food waste disposal system, eliminating the need for special bags but charging based on weight instead.

Understanding and adhering to South Korea's recycling regulations, you'll play a crucial role in both environmental preservation and community integration.