Korean Recycling Glossary

Recycling / Waste Separation

The Korean system of separating waste into designated categories before disposal. Korea requires residents to sort trash into general waste, recyclables, food waste, and large items. Each category has specific bags and collection schedules.

General Waste

Non-recyclable household waste that goes into designated paid trash bags. These bags are usually white or semi-transparent and must be purchased from convenience stores or supermarkets. The bag color and price vary by district.

Recyclable Materials

Items that can be recycled, including paper, plastic, glass, metal, and styrofoam. These must be cleaned, separated by material type, and placed in clear recycling bags or bins on designated collection days.

Food Waste

Organic food waste that is collected separately for composting or animal feed. Food waste goes into special small bags (usually beige or green) or designated food waste bins with RFID readers. Hard bones, shells, and fruit pits are NOT food waste in Korea.

Volume-Based Waste Bags

Government-mandated paid trash bags that must be used for general waste disposal. The price is built into the bag cost as a waste disposal fee. Using non-designated bags results in fines of ₩100,000 or more.

Large/Bulky Waste

Large items like furniture, appliances, and mattresses that require special disposal. You must apply online or at your district office, pay a fee, and attach a disposal sticker before placing the item at a designated spot.

PET Bottles

Plastic PET bottles (like water and soda bottles) that must be emptied, rinsed, and have their labels and caps removed before recycling. Some districts now collect clear PET bottles separately from colored ones.

Used Batteries

Spent batteries that must be collected separately due to hazardous materials. Most apartment buildings and public buildings have designated battery collection boxes. Never throw batteries in general waste.

Styrofoam / EPS

Expanded polystyrene packaging and food containers. Must be cleaned of food residue and tape/stickers before recycling. Heavily soiled styrofoam should go in general waste instead.

Vinyl / Plastic Film

Plastic bags, wrap, and film packaging. These are collected separately from hard plastics. Must be cleaned and bundled together. Heavily contaminated vinyl goes in general waste.

Glass Bottles

Glass containers that are recycled separately. Remove caps and rinse before disposal. Some bottles (like soju and beer bottles) have a deposit system — return them to stores for a refund.

Used Clothing

Discarded clothing and textiles. Most neighborhoods have designated clothing collection bins. Clothes should be clean and dry. Heavily damaged or wet clothing goes in general waste.