Daegu

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Trash and Recycling Services

Information on the waste disposal and recycling programs, including sorting and collection schedules in Daegu.

Sections

1. Overview of the Waste Disposal System in Daegu

South Korea operates under a "Volume-Based Waste Fee System" (종량제, Jongryangje), which means residents pay for waste disposal based on the amount of waste they generate. This system encourages recycling and waste reduction. In Daegu, as in other cities, waste must be separated into specific categories and disposed of in designated bags or locations.

2. Categories of Waste

Waste in Daegu is divided into the following categories:

a. General Waste (일반 쓰레기)

  • Includes non-recyclable items such as used tissues, sanitary products, and other miscellaneous waste.
  • Must be disposed of in designated standard garbage bags (종량제 봉투, Jongryangje Bongtu), which are color-coded and sold at local convenience stores, supermarkets, or district offices.

b. Food Waste (음식물 쓰레기)

  • Includes leftover food, fruit peels, and other biodegradable waste.
  • Must be disposed of in special food waste bags (음식물 쓰레기 봉투) or in designated food waste bins provided by your apartment complex or neighborhood.
  • Important: Bones, shells, and non-biodegradable food items (e.g., tea bags with staples) should not be included in food waste.

c. Recyclables (재활용)

  • Includes paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, cans, and Styrofoam.
  • Recyclables must be cleaned and sorted into separate categories before disposal.
  • No special bags are required for recyclables, but they must be placed in designated recycling bins or areas.

d. Large Waste Items (대형 폐기물)

  • Includes furniture, appliances, and other bulky items.
  • Requires a special disposal sticker (대형 폐기물 스티커), which can be purchased at local district offices or online.
  • You must schedule a pickup or drop the item off at a designated location.

e. Hazardous Waste (유해 폐기물)

  • Includes batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics.
  • These items must be taken to designated collection points, often found in apartment complexes or public facilities.

3. How the System Works

Step-by-Step Guide to Disposing of Waste in Daegu:

  1. Purchase the Correct Bags:

    • General waste and food waste must be disposed of in government-approved bags, which are sold at convenience stores, supermarkets, and district offices.
    • Bags are priced based on size (e.g., 5L, 10L, 20L, etc.), and the cost varies slightly by district.

  2. Sort Your Waste:

    • Separate your waste into the categories mentioned above.
    • Clean recyclables to ensure they are free of food residue.

  3. Dispose of Waste on the Correct Day:

    • Each neighborhood has specific collection days for general waste, food waste, and recyclables. Check with your local district office or apartment management for the schedule.
    • Place your waste in the designated area (usually near your apartment or house) on the evening before collection day.

  4. Follow Rules for Large or Hazardous Items:

    • For large items, purchase a disposal sticker, attach it to the item, and arrange for pickup.
    • For hazardous waste, locate the nearest collection point.

4. Costs Associated with Waste Disposal

  • General Waste Bags: Prices vary by size and district but typically range from 200 KRW to 1,000 KRW per bag.
  • Food Waste Bags: Slightly cheaper than general waste bags, usually around 100 KRW to 500 KRW per bag.
  • Large Item Stickers: Prices depend on the size and type of the item, ranging from 2,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW or more.
  • Recyclables: Free to dispose of, but proper sorting is mandatory.

5. Local Laws and Rules

  • Fines for Non-Compliance: Improper disposal of waste can result in fines ranging from 50,000 KRW to 1,000,000 KRW, depending on the violation.
  • Mandatory Sorting: Recycling is not optional. Failure to sort recyclables can lead to fines or your waste not being collected.
  • No Illegal Dumping: Dumping waste in unauthorized areas is strictly prohibited and heavily penalized.

6. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Community Responsibility: Waste disposal is seen as a shared responsibility in South Korea. Residents are expected to follow the rules to maintain cleanliness and order.
  • Apartment Complexes: Most apartment buildings have designated areas for waste disposal, including separate bins for recyclables and food waste. Some even have automated food waste disposal systems that weigh the waste and charge residents accordingly.
  • Language Barrier: Instructions on waste disposal bags and signs are often in Korean. If you’re unsure, ask a neighbor or your building manager for help.
  • Environmental Awareness: South Koreans take recycling and waste reduction seriously. You may notice that even public spaces have separate bins for different types of waste.

7. Tips for Visitors and New Residents

  • Learn the Basics of Korean Labels: Look for terms like 일반 (general), 음식물 (food waste), and 재활용 (recycling) on bins and bags.
  • Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about the rules, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord, building manager, or a neighbor.
  • Plan for Large Items: If you’re moving or discarding furniture, plan ahead to purchase stickers and schedule pickup.
  • Be Mindful of Collection Days: Missing the collection day means you’ll have to store your waste until the next scheduled pickup.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to navigate Daegu’s waste disposal system with ease and contribute to the city’s clean and eco-friendly environment.