Understanding the Recycling System in Korea
South Korea is globally recognized for its highly organized and eco-conscious recycling system. If you're planning to rent a home or apartment in Korea, whether for a short stay or long-term, understanding how to properly separate and dispose of waste is crucial—not just for legal compliance, but also to be a respectful and responsible neighbor.
At EnkoStay, we connect travelers and expats to fully furnished homes and apartments across Korea. Many of our guests ask: “How do I handle recycling here?” This article is your go-to guide for navigating Korea's recycling system with confidence, especially if you're staying for a few months or more.
🗑️ General Waste Management in Korea
✅ Separation at Source Is Mandatory
Korean law requires that all waste be separated by type before disposal. The main categories are:
- General waste
- Recyclables
- Food waste
- Large or electronic items
🛍️ Use Official Garbage Bags (종량제 봉투)
General waste must be disposed of using color-coded, prepaid garbage bags called jongnyangje. These are sold at local convenience stores or supermarkets. Prices and bag colors vary by district.
Recycling System
♻️ How Recycling Works in Korea
🧴 Categories of Recyclables
Here’s how to separate your items:
- Plastic (플라스틱): Bottles and containers. Rinse and flatten.
- Vinyl (비닐): Soft packaging and wrappers. Must be clean.
- Paper (종이): Newspapers, boxes. Remove tape and food stains.
- Glass (유리): Bottles and jars. Remove lids and rinse.
- Metal (금속): Cans, tins. Rinse and crush if possible.
- Styrofoam (스티로폼): Must be clean and dry.
✅ Most apartment buildings have clearly labeled bins for each type.
🍲 Disposing of Food Waste (음식물 쓰레기)
Food waste is collected separately and converted into compost or animal feed.
- Buy designated food waste bags at any grocery store.
- Place only edible leftovers (no bones, shells, etc.) in them.
- Drop them into the dedicated bins located in your building or complex.
📌 Some modern buildings have automated weighing bins that deduct disposal fees from your apartment’s maintenance bill.
🪑 Large Waste & Electronics Disposal
You must:
- Buy a disposal sticker (폐기물 스티커) from your local district office or convenience store.
- Attach the sticker to the item.
- Place it at the designated curbside pickup spot.
💡 Your building manager or host can help you locate the proper sticker or online system.
🔋 E-Waste (Electronics & Batteries)
- Drop off small electronics at public recycling bins or local government collection points.
- Some stores accept old devices when you purchase a new one.
🏘️ Community Recycling Facilities
Korea makes it easy to recycle with:
- Centralized recycling stations in apartment complexes
- Bins in public areas like subway stations and parks
- Detailed signage and color codes to guide you
At EnkoStay, we ensure that all properties in our network have access to proper waste and recycling facilities, and we help guests understand how to use them.
💡 Recycling Tips for New Residents
- ✔️ Clean & dry all recyclables before disposal.
- ✔️ Flatten boxes & bottles to save space.
- ✔️ Use correct garbage bags—no exceptions!
- ✔️ Stay informed: Local districts may have unique rules.
🗣️ Handy Phrases for Shopping:
- “Do you have general waste bags?”
👉 일반 쓰레기 봉투 있어요? (il-ban sseu-re-gi bong-tu iss-eo-yo?) - “Do you have food waste bags?”
👉 음식물 쓰레기 봉투 있어요? (eum-sik-mul sseu-re-gi bong-tu iss-eo-yo?)
🏡 Renting in Korea? Let Us Help You Live Like a Local
Understanding local systems like recycling helps you settle into Korean life with ease. Whether you're moving to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, our rental homes come equipped with all the essentials—including support to guide you through local living customs.
👉 Browse fully furnished, move-in ready homes on EnkoStay, from short stays to long-term rentals, we’ve got you covered.
