Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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I was born and raised in Korea, and there are still moments when I second-guess myself sorting through the recycling. Explaining the system to foreign friends makes me realize just how involved it actually is.

The basic principle is that general waste and recyclables are kept strictly separate. General trash must go into designated trash bags called jongnyangje bags, which you buy with your own money at convenience stores or supermarkets. This is usually the first thing that throws foreign visitors off. The idea of paying for the bag you throw your trash in is not something most people are used to.

Recyclables are sorted by category. Paper, plastic, glass, cans, and styrofoam each go into separate bins. PET bottles need to have their labels removed and be flattened before disposal. Food waste is collected separately and goes into special food waste bags or designated bins. The first few times, you will likely find yourself standing in front of the bins trying to figure out where everything goes.

It can feel like a lot of effort, but the upside is that Korea's recycling rate is genuinely high as a result of this system. Once you get used to it, not sorting your trash starts to feel strange. If you are just starting out in Korea, picking up your first jongnyangje bag from the convenience store is a good place to begin.