How to Throw Away Trash in Korea as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)

If you're new to Korea, one of the first challenges you'll face is figuring out how to throw away your trash.

It sounds simple—but the truth is, Korea's trash disposal system is much more detailed than you might expect. From color-coded bags to food waste bins and recycling rules that vary by city, it can feel overwhelming at first.

But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every foreigner living in Korea has felt confused by the trash system at some point.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly, step by step. Whether you're living in an apartment, villa, or one-room, this 2025 guide will help you master Korean waste disposal and avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents :

Why Trash Disposal in Korea Feels So Complicated
What Kind of Trash Goes Where? (General Overview)
How to Throw Away Food Waste in Apartments
Where to Buy and Use Standard Trash Bags (종량제 봉투)
Recycling Rules in Korea: What You Must Know
What If You Break the Rules? (Fines and Complaints)
Helpful Apps and Websites for Foreigners
Real Tips from Expats Living in Korea
Final Thoughts: You’ll Get Used to It—Eventually

Why Trash Disposal in Korea Feels So Complicated

Korea uses a Volume-Based Waste Fee System, known as “종량제 (Jongnyangje).”

Instead of paying a flat fee for garbage collection, you’re required to buy special government-issued trash bags. The more trash you throw away, the more you pay.

This system encourages recycling and waste reduction, but it also means you can’t just toss things into any bag. You need to know:

What kind of trash goes in which bag
Where and when to throw it away
What happens if you get it wrong

Plus, rules can differ slightly between districts and apartment buildings. That’s why even long-term expats sometimes mess up.

For example, if you live in Jung-gu, you can visit the official English page here for clear instructions on how to dispose of waste properly.

What Kind of Trash Goes Where? (General Overview)

Let’s start with the basics. In Korea, trash is sorted into these main categories:

General Waste (일반 쓰레기): Diapers, broken ceramic, used tissues, small plastics that can’t be recycled
Food Waste (음식물 쓰레기): Leftover food, but no bones, shells, tea bags, or liquids
Recyclables (재활용): Clean paper, plastics, cans, glass, styrofoam, etc.
Large Waste (대형 폐기물): Furniture, electronics, and bulky items

Each category has its own disposal method and, sometimes, its own bag or sticker system. Not sorting properly can lead to fines or your trash not being picked up.

👉 Tip: Search your district name + “대형폐기물” in Korean to find the right instructions.
Most sites are in Korean, so using a translation app will help. If you live in an apartment, your building office can usually guide you through the process.

How to Throw Away Food Waste in Apartments

Food waste is a big deal in Korea. You can’t just toss it in the trash.

In apartments, there’s usually a designated bin for food waste. These may be RFID (radio-frequency ID) bins that charge you based on weight.
You’ll need to buy special biodegradable bags (yellow or orange, depending on the district). These are sold at local convenience stores or supermarkets.
No liquids! Drain soupy leftovers before disposing.

If your apartment uses an RFID bin, scan your resident card or code, weigh the bag, and toss it in. Charges are minimal but add up over time.

Where to Buy and Use Standard Trash Bags (종량제 봉투)

You can’t use regular store-bought trash bags for general waste. Instead, you’ll need to buy 종량제 봉투 (Jongnyangje bags), which come in different sizes (2L, 5L, 10L, etc.) and are specific to your local district.

Buy them at any convenience store or supermarket.
Make sure you buy the right district’s version—the name will be printed on the bag.
Only use these bags for general waste. If you put food or recyclables inside, it may not be collected.

Tip: If you move to a new neighborhood, the old bags may not be valid. Check the district name on the package!

Recycling Rules in Korea: What You Must Know

Recycling is mandatory and taken very seriously. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Plastics: Empty and rinse plastic bottles, containers, and packaging. Remove labels if possible.
Cans and Metals: Rinse thoroughly. Don’t crush cans flat.
Glass: Bottles and jars only. Remove caps.
Paper: Keep clean and dry. Flatten cardboard boxes.
Styrofoam: Only if clean. If it’s food-stained, it goes into general waste.

Put recyclables into clear bags or the designated bins in your building. Sorting rules may differ slightly by building, so look for signs or ask your landlord.

How to Get Rid of Big Stuff (Bulky Items)

Throwing away furniture or appliances? You can’t just leave it outside.

Here’s what to do:

Visit your district office website or go in person.
Apply for a bulky waste disposal sticker (폐기물 스티커).
Pay a small fee (usually ₩2,000–₩10,000 depending on size).
Print or receive the sticker and attach it to the item.
Place it in the designated pickup area on the scheduled day.

Failing to register bulky waste properly can lead to fines and angry neighbors.

What If You Break the Rules? (Fines and Complaints)

Improper trash disposal isn’t just frowned upon—it can cost you.

Fines range from ₩50,000 to ₩1,000,000 depending on the violation.
Your trash may be left behind with a warning sticker.
Your landlord or building manager may get a complaint.

Worst case? Multiple violations can get you reported to the local government. Foreigners are not exempt.

Helpful Apps and Websites for Foreigners

These apps and websites can help you navigate trash disposal:

Seoul Global Center: English resources and support
HiKorea: Immigration and living info
Waste Info by District: Your 구청 (district office) often has English pages

Some districts also have mobile apps with pickup calendars and sorting guides (like Gangnam-gu’s “Clean Seoul” app).

Real Tips from Expats Living in Korea

“Stick signs in English on your bins to help guests sort properly.”
“Buy a small kitchen bin just for food waste—it keeps your main trash cleaner.”
“Take photos of your building’s posted trash schedule so you never forget.”
“Neighbors will tell you (loudly) if you mess up—don’t take it personally!”

Most foreigners adapt within a few weeks. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors or building security for help—they’re usually understanding.

Korea’s trash system can feel strict and complicated, but there’s a reason for it: it works. The country recycles more than 60% of its waste, and neighborhoods stay impressively clean.

Once you get used to the routine—buying the right bags, sorting food, rinsing recyclables—it becomes second nature. You might even find yourself teaching new friends how to sort properly.

Remember: everyone makes mistakes in the beginning. Learn, adapt, and take it one bag at a time.

With this guide, you're already ahead of the game.