How to Recycle in Korea: Complete Waste Separation Guide for Expats

외국인을 위한 한국 분리수거·쓰레기 배출 완전 가이드

1. Why Is Recycling in Korea Difficult for Expats?

Korea’s recycling system is much more detailed than in many other countries.

You must separate plastics and vinyl (soft plastic such as plastic bags), sort food waste separately, and follow specific rules that vary by district and housing type. For newcomers, this can feel overwhelming.

Recycling rules in Korea are also strict.

If you don’t follow the rules:

Your trash may not be collected
A warning sticker may be placed on your bags
In repeated cases, you may receive a fine

Because of this, understanding Korea’s waste system is essential for daily life.

Many expats ask:

“Why are plastic and vinyl separated?”
“What counts as food waste here?”
“Why wasn’t my trash collected?”

This guide explains Korea’s waste categories, recycling rules, housing-type differences, and common mistakes—so you can live more comfortably and avoid fines.

To recycle properly in Korea, you need to consider two key factors:

What type of housing you live in
What type of waste you are disposing of

2. The Five Main Waste Categories in Korea

Korea’s waste separation system includes five major categories:

1️⃣ General Waste

2️⃣ Recyclables (Plastic, Vinyl, Paper, Cans, Glass)

3️⃣ Food Waste

4️⃣ Bulky Waste

5️⃣ Special Waste (Batteries, Fluorescent Lamps, Electronics)

Once you understand these categories, recycling becomes much easier.

3. How Recycling Differs by Housing Type

In Korea, where you live affects how you take out your trash.

3-1) High-Rise Apartment Complexes (아파트)

Recycling is easiest in apartment complexes.

✔ Features

A designated recycling area inside the complex
Trash can be disposed of almost anytime
Each waste category has a dedicated container
Food waste is disposed of through food-waste bins or RFID systems
(Residents scan a card and pay by weight)

✔ Best for expats

Clear rules and 24/7 access.

3-2) Low-Rise Multi-Family Housing & Studio Units (빌라 / 원룸)

This is where most expats experience confusion.

✔ Features

Small communal recycling areas in front of the building or alley
Disposal is often limited to specific days and times
(e.g., Tue & Fri, 8 PM–12 AM)
Rules vary by building

✔ Important

Ask your landlord or real estate agent about:

Trash location
Disposal days and times
Food waste rules
Required bags

3-3) Detached Houses

✔ Features

The district office sets specific disposal days
Each category (general waste, recyclables, food waste) may have different schedules
Trash is usually placed in front of the house

Failure to follow the schedule may result in uncollected trash or warning notices.

4. How to Sort Waste by Category

4-1) General Waste

Items that cannot be recycled, such as:

Used tissues
Dirty or contaminated paper
Receipts
Broken ceramics

Must be placed in Volume-Based Waste Bags (종량제 봉투).

📌 Summary

Apartments → Anytime
Low-rise housing → Check building rules
Detached houses → Follow district schedule

4-2) Recyclables

Korea’s basic rule:

“Clean and separated by type.”

Plastic

PET bottles, plastic containers
Rinse lightly
Remove labels if required

Vinyl (Soft Plastic)

Snack bags, ramen packages, plastic wrapping
Must be clean and dry
A separate category from plastic

Paper

Cardboard boxes, newspapers, books
Remove tape and stickers
Receipts and coated paper → General Waste

Cans & Metal

Beverage cans, food cans
Empty and rinse

Glass

Most regions mix all colors
Lids are usually removed and recycled separately

5. Food Waste

One of the most confusing categories for expats.

✔ Food waste

includes

Leftover food
Fruit and vegetable scraps

✔ Food waste

does NOT include

Bones
Shells (nuts, clams, oysters)
Tea bags
Hard seeds

✔ How to dispose

Apartments

Communal bins or RFID food-waste machines
Often no food-waste bags required

Low-rise housing & detached houses

Food-waste bags are required in most areas
Disposal must follow district schedules

6. Volume-Based Waste Bags (종량제 봉투)

You must use official bags for general waste and food waste.

✔ Where to buy

Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
Local supermarkets
Some community centers

📌 Only bags from your district can be used.

Example:

Residents of Mapo-gu must use Mapo-gu waste bags.

Bag Sizes

General Waste Bags

5L, 10L, 20L, 50L, 75L
→ 10–20L is most common for one-person households.

Food-Waste Bags

1L, 2L, 3L, 5L, 10L
(Not required in apartments using RFID systems)

7. Bulky Waste (Furniture & Large Items)

Includes mattresses, chairs, desks, TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, and more.

✔ How to dispose

Visit your district office website
Purchase a disposal sticker
Attach it to the item
Place the item outside on the assigned date

Incorrect disposal may result in fines.

8. Special Waste (Requires Separate Disposal)

Hazardous or environmentally harmful items.

Batteries

AA, AAA, lithium batteries
Cannot be disposed of as general waste
Drop-off bins available at convenience stores, supermarkets, community centers, and apartment complexes

Fluorescent Lamps / Lightbulbs

Contain mercury and must be collected separately
Apartments usually provide collection boxes
Villas and houses: dispose at community centers
LED bulbs may be treated as general waste depending on district rules

Small Electronics

Examples include hairdryers, radios, rice cookers, and microwaves.

Large electronics follow bulky waste rules.

Many districts offer free pickup services.

Expired Medicine

Never dispose of in sinks, toilets, or general waste
Drop off at pharmacies or community centers

9. Top 5 Mistakes Expats Make

Mixing plastic and vinyl
Putting bones or shells in food waste
Leaving tape on cardboard boxes
Using waste bags from the wrong district
Disposing of bulky waste without a sticker

10. Useful Resources

📌 생활폐기물 분리배출 누리집 Household Waste Separation & Disposal Portal

https://분리배출.kr/

📌 Find local collection days

Search: “[Your District] + 분리수거 요일”

11. Recycling in Korea Is Easier Than It Looks

Korea’s recycling system may feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand:

the waste categories
the rules based on your housing type
the required waste bags

…it becomes clear, organized, and efficient.

This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and live more comfortably in Korea.