A practical guide to recycling in Korea

Start with your building and district

First identify your city or district and your building's collection point. An apartment recycling area, a house-front collection route and a Clean House station are different systems. When staying at accommodation, follow its waste instructions.

Distinguish the local paid general-waste bag from food-waste bags or containers and recycling bins. A similar bag colour or price does not establish that it is accepted in another district.

The set-out day is when you put waste outside; the collection day is when it is taken away. Read overnight times carefully and check separate municipal notices for holidays.

Prepare recyclables before sorting

Empty containers and rinse away remaining food or product residue. Separate removable labels, lids and packaging made from different materials.

Use the collection streams provided for paper, drink cartons, glass bottles, metal, plastics and film. A clear disposable cup or fruit tray is not the same collection category as a clear PET water or drink bottle.

A material symbol alone does not settle how heavily contaminated or inseparable mixed-material items are collected. Use these preparation steps alongside the signs at your collection point and municipal guidance.

Food scraps and kitchen waste are different

Eggshells, hard bones and shellfish shells are examples of kitchen waste collected as general waste. Keep packaging, toothpicks and cutlery out of food-waste containers.

Remove foreign objects and drain accepted food scraps before using your building's designated bag, container or RFID system. Do not apply one district's bag or schedule to the whole country.

Check separate routes for batteries and large items

Keep batteries and battery-containing electronics out of general-waste bags and ordinary packaging recycling. Battery and small-appliance collection points can accept different items; check the labels before depositing them.

For large furniture or appliances, check the municipal reporting or collection-service procedure before leaving anything outside. Eligibility, booking and fees depend on the item, its condition and the local service.