Busan

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Waste Disposal and Recycling

Important guidelines for waste collection, sorting, and recycling in Busan.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste

In Busan, waste is divided into several categories, and each type must be disposed of separately. The main categories are:

  1. General Waste (일반쓰레기):

    • Non-recyclable waste such as used tissues, sanitary products, and contaminated packaging.
    • Must be disposed of in designated standard garbage bags.

  2. Recyclable Waste (재활용쓰레기):

    • Includes paper, cardboard, plastics, glass bottles, cans, and metals.
    • Items must be clean and sorted by material type.

  3. Food Waste (음식물쓰레기):

    • Organic waste such as food scraps, fruit peels, and leftovers.
    • Must be disposed of in special food waste bags or bins.

  4. Large Waste Items (대형폐기물):

    • Bulky items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
    • Requires a separate disposal process and fee.

  5. Hazardous Waste (유해폐기물):

    • Includes batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics.
    • Must be taken to designated collection points.

2. Procedures for Sorting and Disposal

Proper sorting and disposal are critical in Busan. Here’s how to handle each category:

General Waste

  • Purchase standard garbage bags (종량제 봉투) from local convenience stores or supermarkets. These bags are color-coded and labeled by district.
  • Place non-recyclable waste in these bags and tie them securely.
  • Dispose of the bags at designated collection points or in front of your residence on the scheduled collection day.

Recyclable Waste

  • Sort recyclables by type (e.g., paper, plastic, glass, metal).
  • Rinse items to remove food residue.
  • Place recyclables in clear plastic bags or directly in designated recycling bins.
  • Collection points for recyclables are often located near residential areas.

Food Waste

  • Purchase special food waste bags (음식물 쓰레기 봉투) from local stores.
  • Drain excess liquid from food waste before placing it in the bag.
  • Dispose of the bag in designated food waste bins, which are usually orange or brown and located in residential areas.

Large Waste Items

  • Contact your local district office (구청) or use the district’s website to register the item for disposal.
  • Pay a disposal fee, which varies depending on the item.
  • Attach the issued disposal sticker to the item and leave it at the designated collection point.

Hazardous Waste

  • Take hazardous items to designated collection points, such as community centers or recycling facilities.
  • Some convenience stores and supermarkets also have collection boxes for batteries and light bulbs.

3. Costs

  • Standard Garbage Bags: Prices vary by size and district but typically range from 200 KRW to 1,000 KRW per bag.
  • Food Waste Bags: Prices are slightly lower than standard garbage bags and depend on the size.
  • Large Waste Disposal: Fees vary by item, ranging from 2,000 KRW to 20,000 KRW or more.
  • Recycling is generally free, but improper sorting can result in fines.

4. Rules and Fines

  • Sorting: Failure to properly sort waste can result in fines of up to 1,000,000 KRW.
  • Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas or using incorrect bags is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.
  • Collection Times: Waste must be placed at collection points only on designated days and times, which vary by district. Check with your local district office for the schedule.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Community Responsibility: Waste disposal is seen as a shared responsibility in South Korea. Residents are expected to follow the rules to maintain harmony and cleanliness.
  • Respect for Neighbors: Avoid placing waste outside too early or too late, as it may inconvenience others or attract pests.
  • Language Barrier: Most waste disposal instructions are in Korean. Consider using translation apps or asking neighbors for help if you’re unsure.

6. Relevant Sites and Facilities

  • Recycling Centers: Busan has several recycling centers where you can drop off sorted recyclables. Some notable ones include:

    • Busan Resource Recovery Facility (부산자원회수시설): Handles large-scale recycling and waste processing.
    • Eco-Center Busan (에코센터 부산): Offers educational programs on waste management and recycling.

  • District Offices (구청): Each district in Busan has its own waste management office where you can inquire about disposal procedures, purchase stickers for large waste, or report issues.

    • Examples:
      • Haeundae-gu Office (해운대구청)
      • Suyeong-gu Office (수영구청)

  • Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: These are the primary locations to purchase garbage bags and food waste bags.

7. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the Korean terms for waste categories (e.g., 일반쓰레기 for general waste, 재활용 for recycling).
  • Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask neighbors or landlords for guidance on local waste disposal practices.
  • Stay Updated: Rules and schedules may vary slightly by district, so check with your local district office for the most accurate information.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you comply with Busan’s waste disposal and recycling regulations while contributing to the city’s environmental efforts.