Garbage & Recycling
In Korea, you sort garbage by type. General waste goes in a “volume-rate bag (종량제 봉투)” sold locally; recyclables are separated for free; food waste is disposed of separately; clear PET bottles are collected on their own. Rules (day/place) vary by district and between houses and apartments. Wrong disposal can bring fines.
Based on official sources · verify before deciding· as of 2026-06-09
What to bring
- A volume-rate bag (must be your own district/city’s)
- A food-waste bag or RFID card/bin
- Bags/space to sort recyclables (paper, plastic, cans, glass, vinyl, clear PET)
- A bulky-waste sticker (for furniture/appliances — at the community center or online)
Step by step
- 1General waste: in a volume-rate bag, out on the set day/place
- 2Recycling: separate paper, plastic, cans, glass, vinyl, and clear PET bottles (remove labels, rinse)
- 3Food waste: drain liquids, use a designated bag/RFID bin
- 4Bulky furniture/appliances: report and attach a sticker before putting out
Tips
- ⚠️ Use only your own district/city’s volume-rate bag — bags from elsewhere won’t be collected.
- ⚠️ Mixing recyclables/food into a general-waste bag can bring a fine.
- Always confirm the day/time/place with your community center or building office (it varies locally).
- When unsure, check item-by-item disposal via a sorting app or your local government’s guide.
Related guides
This is general guidance and may change over time. Always verify the latest details with the official source before applying.
Last updated: 2026-06-09