How to Recycle Trash Properly in Korea: A Foreigner’s Survival Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Waste Separation, Bags, and Local Rules

---

1. Why Recycling in Korea Feels Complicated (But Isn’t)

Korea has strict recycling laws, and improper sorting can lead to fines.

Each apartment, building, or neighborhood has its own sorting rules,
but there are nationwide standards for:

• General trash (일반쓰레기)

• Food waste (음식물 쓰레기)

• Recyclables (재활용)

• Large waste (대형 폐기물)

It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.

---

2. Trash Categories You MUST Know

• General Trash

  • Everything that can’t be recycled or composted (e.g., used tissues, diapers)

  • Must be thrown away in official designated city trash bags (종량제 봉투)

• Food Waste

  • Includes leftover food scraps (except bones, shells, or liquids)

  • Requires separate disposal in food bins or special biodegradable bags

• Recyclables

  • Must be clean and dry

  • Includes:

    • Paper/cardboard

    • Plastic bottles and containers

    • Glass bottles

    • Cans and metal

    • Styrofoam

• Electronic/Large Waste

  • Requires a sticker from the district office

  • Apply online or visit your dong office to pay disposal fees

---

3. Where to Buy Official Trash Bags

• City-designated bags can be purchased at:

  • Convenience stores

  • Supermarkets

  • Local shops

🛍 Example: If you live in Seoul, ask for "서울시 종량제 봉투" and specify the size (e.g., 10L, 20L).

Each district has its own color/style bag, so always check your building’s guidelines.

---

4. How to Sort Recyclables Like a Local

• Rinse and dry containers before recycling

• Remove caps/labels from plastic bottles

• Flatten boxes and stack cardboard neatly

• Do NOT recycle: greasy pizza boxes, dirty tissues, broken ceramics

🧼 Dirty recyclables are treated as general trash!

---

5. What to Do With Food Waste

• Place food scraps in biodegradable food waste bags (yellow or green, varies by district)

• Some apartments have smart bins that weigh food and auto-charge fees

• DO NOT throw liquids, bones, or shells into food waste

Pro tip: Keep your food waste bag in the freezer to avoid smell until disposal day!

---

6. Disposal Schedule & Where to Take Your Trash

• Most apartments have designated collection areas (usually underground or out front)

• Disposal time is often evening to late night (8 PM–midnight)

• Ask your landlord or building manager about your building’s routine

If you throw trash out too early or in the wrong bin, neighbors may report it.

---

7. Useful Korean Phrases for Recycling

• “음식물 쓰레기는 어디에 버려요?”
  Where do I throw food waste?

• “쓰레기 봉투는 어디서 사요?”
  Where can I buy trash bags?

• “이건 재활용인가요?”
  Is this recyclable?

• “스티커는 어디서 받아요?”
  Where do I get a sticker (for large waste)?

Having a few of these phrases handy will make it much easier to ask locals or landlords for help.

---