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Starting in July 2024, South Korea will enforce a policy to separate garbage, including vinyl waste.
The main goal of this policy is to promote the recycling of vinyl and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from incineration.
Separation of Vinyl Waste
Beginning in July, Seoul has prohibited the disposal of vinyl waste in pay-as-you-throw bags, requiring it to be disposed of separately.
Commercial facilities, especially those that generate a lot of vinyl, such as convenience stores and restaurants, are provided with special bags for vinyl.
Households are also encouraged to separate their vinyl and can be fined if they don’t comply.
Vinyl items that must be separated
- Snack bags, coffee mix wrappers
- Vinyl gloves, plastic bottle labels
- Onion mesh, bubble wrap
- Straw wrappers, wrappers for triangular kimbapOther food packaging vinyl
- Other food packaging vinyl
An exception is food wrap, which can be placed in your pay-as-you-throw bag.
Separation of General Garbage and Food Waste
General Trash
Flour, gochujang, miso, chili powder, etc., should be disposed of as regular garbage because these materials cannot be used as livestock feed.
Watermelon rinds should be classified as food waste, and you may be fined if you throw them in your regular trash.
Food Waste
Flour, frying flour, panko breadcrumbs, raw rice, and rice are classified as food waste. These materials should not be flushed down the sink or toilet.
Kimchi or pickled cabbage can be rinsed in water and disposed of as food waste.
Separate Recyclables
Recyclable Items
Place plastic bottles, cans, paper, and glass in their respective recycling bins.
Recyclable vinyl should be placed in clear or translucent bags. In apartments, recyclables should be separated as usual.
Changes to Fines
Previously, fines were imposed if a pay-as-you-throw bag contained more than a certain percentage of recyclable items or food waste.
Under the new policy, the mandate to separate vinyl waste has been increased, and fines for violations are as follows.
- For the first offense: 100,000 won (approximately $78 USD)
- Second offense: 200,000 won (approximately $156 USD)
- For third and subsequent offenses: Up to 300,000 won (approximately $234 USD)
Policy Significance and International Comparison
South Korea’s new trash separation policy is an important step toward protecting the environment and promoting recycling. Many developed countries have similar policies, with Germany and Japan maintaining high recycling rates through strict recycling regulations.
South Korea’s efforts can serve as a best practice for environmental protection in the international community.
The new separated discharge policy, which goes into effect this July, requires active participation from citizens.
Please protect the environment through proper separation and follow the detailed regulations to avoid being fined.
