Korea's waste separation follows the same big principles nationwide, but the actual rules (days, times, bags, collection) vary by district and neighborhood, which is confusing. Here's how to avoid fines and rejected pickups.
Five household waste types
- General waste: volume-rate bag (paid). Using a regular plastic bag gets it rejected or fined
- Recycling (paper, cans, bottles, plastic): per local rules, mostly free. Don't mix food-soiled items
- Food waste: special bag or RFID meter. No bones, shells, or plastic
- Bulky waste (furniture, mattress): report first and attach a disposal number
- Hazardous/special (fluorescent bulbs, batteries, broken glass): dedicated bins
Regional differences
Even within Seoul, disposal times (e.g., 6pm to midnight vs 8pm to midnight) and bag colors and prices differ. Right after moving in, check your neighborhood's rules at the district or community office first.
Full guide to volume-rate bags, fines, and regional differences