How to Use Trash Bags and Recycling Stickers in Korea

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Proper Waste Disposal with the Right Bags and Labels


1. Why You Need Special Trash Bags and Stickers in Korea

In Korea, you can’t just use any garbage bag. Trash disposal is managed through a “pay-as-you-throw” system, using:

  • Standard volume-based trash bags (종량제 봉투)

  • Food waste bags (음식물 쓰레기 봉투)

  • Recycling without bags (but must be sorted)

  • Large item disposal stickers (폐기물 스티커)

🗑 If you use the wrong bag or skip the sticker, your trash won’t be collected — and you might get fined.

2. Where to Buy Official Trash Bags

You can purchase them at:

  • Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)

  • Supermarkets (Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus)

  • Local corner shops

When buying, ask for:

  • 종량제 봉투 (jong-ryang-je bong-tu) = general waste bag

  • 음식물 봉투 (eum-sik-mul bong-tu) = food waste bag

  • Specify the district and size (e.g., Seoul 10L, Mapo-gu 20L)

🛍 Each district has its own design and pricing, so double-check your residential area.

3. How to Use the Trash Bags Correctly

  • Only put non-recyclable trash in standard waste bags

  • Tie the bag tightly and place it in the designated collection area (usually after 8 PM)

  • Do not mix recyclables or food waste in these bags

📆 Most buildings have posted disposal schedules—follow them to avoid complaints or penalties.

4. How to Handle Food Waste Properly

Food waste is collected separately using special bags or smart bins.

Steps:

  1. Get biodegradable food waste bags (yellow, green, or orange — depends on district)

  2. Put only edible waste (no bones, shells, liquids)

  3. Drop the bag in the communal food waste bin

  4. In some apartments, bins weigh your waste and auto-charge you

💡 Tip: Store food waste bags in the freezer to avoid smells before disposal.

5. How to Dispose of Large Items (Furniture, Electronics)

You need a recycling or disposal sticker (폐기물 스티커) for items like:

  • Desks, beds, shelves

  • TVs, microwaves, fridges

  • Bicycles, suitcases, etc.

How to get a sticker:

  1. Visit your district office website or local community center (주민센터)

  2. Apply and pay online or in-person

  3. Print or receive a sticker and attach it to the item

  4. Place it at the designated spot on the scheduled date

📱 Some cities (like Seoul) offer QR-code-based online sticker systems.

6. How to Sort Recyclables

No bag is required, but sorting is critical:

  • Plastic: Clean bottles, containers (remove labels and caps)

  • Glass: Rinse bottles, jars

  • Paper: Dry only, no greasy pizza boxes

  • Cans: Aluminum or tin, no food residue

  • Styrofoam: Must be clean and undamaged

Place items in the correct bins usually found in apartment recycling stations.

🚫 If recyclables are dirty, they’ll be treated as regular waste.

7. Useful Korean Phrases for Trash and Recycling

  • “종량제 봉투 어디서 살 수 있어요?” — Where can I buy standard trash bags?

  • “음식물 쓰레기 버리는 곳이 어디예요?” — Where do I throw away food waste?

  • “스티커 없이 버리면 안 되나요?” — Can I throw this away without a sticker?

  • “재활용 분리수거는 어떻게 해요?” — How do I separate recyclables?

🗣 Ask your building manager (관리실) for local disposal rules if you're unsure.


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