Waste Separation Guidelines in Korea

Efficient waste separation is an essential part of daily life in Korea, designed to reduce landfill waste, promote recycling, and maintain a cleaner environment. As a resident, you are expected to separate food waste, general waste, and recyclable materials according to local regulations. 1. Standard Garbage Bags Korea uses government-approved Standard Plastic Garbage Bags, available for purchase at supermarkets and convenience stores within your district. Each district (“gu”) has its own design and pricing, so you must use the bags specific to your residential area. Food Waste: Semi-transparent yellow bags (sizes: 2ℓ, 5ℓ, 10ℓ) General Waste: Semi-transparent white bags (sizes: 5ℓ, 10ℓ, 20ℓ, 50ℓ) Recyclables: No standard bags required; use any ordinary plastic bag. 2. Disposal Locations & Schedule Houses: Place waste in front of your main gate. Apartments: Use designated collection areas or receptacles. Collection Times: Vary by neighborhood. Confirm details with your apartment management office or local district office. 3. Understanding Waste Categories General Waste All non-recyclable, non-food items. Includes large household items such as furniture or broken appliances. Large Waste Items Items that cannot fit into standard bags (e.g., sofas, tables, bedding, large appliances). Disposal requires a Large Waste Disposal Sticker, available for purchase from your local district or neighborhood (“dong”) office. The sticker price depends on item size and district regulations. Attach the sticker to the item before placing it outside. Food Waste Includes leftover or expired food items. Not Allowed in food waste: hard fruit shells (walnuts, chestnuts, coconuts), fruit seeds (apricots, persimmons), bones, shells (clam, lobster, abalone, etc.), feathers, internal fish organs, tea bags, and herbal medicine grounds. Recyclables Separate recyclables by type and place them in ordinary plastic bags. Collection days vary by area. Paper: Newspapers, cardboard, wrapping paper, paper bags. Glass: Beverage and liquor bottles. Metal: Cans, aluminum items, stainless utensils, iron wire. Styrofoam: Clean packaging and containers. Plastic: PET, HIPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC materials. Milk Cartons: Clean and flattened. Fluorescent Lamps: Unbroken tubes or bulbs. This structured system ensures that waste is handled responsibly, supports Korea’s sustainability efforts, and keeps your neighborhood clean. Always check with your local district office for specific rules and schedules, as they may differ from other areas.