Korea Trash Sorter
Which bag or bin, item by item.
The quick test for food waste: could an animal eat it? Bones, shells, pits and peels that are too hard go in general waste. Details such as pickup days and bag colors differ by district (구), so check the notice in your building or ask your district office (Seoul helpline 120).
Korea sorts household waste carefully, and the rules trip up nearly everyone at first. Search for an item to see which bag or bin it belongs in and how to prepare it.
The three main streams
General waste goes in paid standard bags (종량제 봉투), which are printed for each district and sold at convenience stores and supermarkets. Food waste is collected separately, in its own bags or in a shared bin at your building. Recyclables such as paper, plastic, cans, glass and vinyl are sorted by material and are free to put out.
What counts as food waste
Food waste is processed into animal feed and compost, so the test is whether an animal could eat it. Bones, shells of all kinds, fruit pits, tea bags and coffee grounds fail that test and go in general waste. Drain liquid before you throw food waste away.
Getting the details right
Bags only work in the district that issued them, so buy new ones if you move. Pickup days and put-out times differ by neighborhood and are usually posted near the building entrance. Large items such as furniture need a paid pickup booked through your district office.
Questions people ask
Where do I buy trash bags in Korea?
At convenience stores and supermarkets in your district. Ask at the counter for 종량제 봉투 and say the size you want.
Are egg shells food waste in Korea?
No. Egg shells go in general waste, along with bones and seafood shells.
How do I throw away furniture in Korea?
Book a large waste pickup with your district office or community center, pay the fee, attach the sticker and leave the item where instructed.
What happens if I sort trash incorrectly?
Bags may be left uncollected and districts can issue fines, so it is worth learning the basics early.