Did You Know Trash Has Rules in Korea? 🚮
If you think you can toss trash anywhere in Korea, you are in for a surprise! 🚨
Throwing away trash the wrong way could cost you up to 100,000 KRW in fines (about $72). 💸
Sounds intense, right?
But don’t worry—let’s break it down so you know exactly how to handle trash like a pro in Korea.
1) Recycling Is a Must!
Skip it, and there’s a fine waiting for you! 💸
In Korea, trash is divided into two main types:
Recyclables and general waste (non-recyclables).
✅ What if you live in a building with a management office?
If you live in an apartment or studio building with a management office, there is usually a recycling station on the first floor or basement. (↓↓↓)
Here, you can separate items like plastic, paper, cans, and glass into the correct bins.
Once sorted, the management office sends everything to a waste disposal company.
✅ No management office?
No problem!
You’ll need to handle your recycling yourself. Each area in Korea has specific days and times for throwing out recyclables.
For example, in one part of Seoul, plastic waste can only be thrown out on Tuesdays, while paper might be collected on Fridays.
Always check with your landlord or building manager for the exact schedule, so you don’t break the rules.
2) General Trash Goes in a Special Bag!
And yes, there’s a fine for ignoring this too! 💸
Korea uses special bags called 종량제 봉투[jong-nyang-je bong-tu] for general waste (non-recyclable trash).
Let’s take a closer look at how they work:
🔎 What Are These Special Bags, 종량제 봉투[jong-nyang-je bong-tu]?
These bags are specially designed for each area in Korea.
Using the wrong bag (like a bag from Busan in Seoul) can result in fines. 🚨 Yep, wrong bag = fine.
📏 What Sizes Are Available?
These bags come in various sizes, including: 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L, 20L, 50L, 75L, and 100L.
Small bags: Great for food waste or small amounts of trash.
Large bags: Perfect for bigger clean-ups, like after a room makeover.
💳 How Much Do Volume-Based Trash Bags Cost?
Prices vary by region. A 20L bag typically costs between 500 and 700 KRW (about $0.40 to $0.55) per bag.
🛍️ Where Can You Get Them?
You can buy them at convenience stores, supermarkets, or local shops. They’re easy to find, so don’t stress about that part!
✅ What If There’s a Management Office?
If your building has a management office, they probably have big bins for general trash. Simply toss your bagged trash into the designated bins. If unsure, just ask the office staff for the right spot. Easy, right? 😊
✅ No Management Office?
If there’s no management office, follow these steps:
Ask your landlord where to take the bags.
Find out the designated days and times for your area.
Take the bags to the correct spot on the right day.
Breaking the rules might lead to fines, so it’s worth double-checking! 🙌
🚨 Important Reminders
Only put non-recyclable trash in these special bags.
Food waste and recyclables should never go in the same bag.
Use the right size and type of bag for your area.
Korea’s system encourages people to recycle and reduce waste. The more trash you create, the more bags you need to buy, so it’s a great way to cut back on waste. 🌏
In the next post, we’ll talk about how to dispose of food waste, as well as appliances and furniture.
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