
Managing household waste in South Korea can be challenging for newcomers due to strict regulations and separation rules. This guide simplifies the process for foreign residents in Ulsan, helping you navigate the waste disposal system while staying eco-friendly and compliant.
Depending of your building and which area you live in, this will determine the type of waste disposal you will use. Ask your landlord as you are moving in as this will save some major headaches down the road. Also, take a look around your apartment to see what people are using, where there are putting their garbage, and when they are putting out their recyclables. This can also give you and idea of what to do.
Located at the end of this article, you can find the links to the 4 major districts in Ulsan to help you location the schedules. You may need to translate them into English for more details.

Understanding South Korea’s Waste Disposal System
South Korea employs a “pay-as-you-throw” (PAYT) policy, requiring residents to purchase designated garbage bags for waste disposal. The main categories are:
- General Waste (종량제 봉투, Jongnyangje Bongtu): Used for non-recyclable, non-food items.
- Recyclable Waste: Your building might have green, red, and yellow mesh bags to use. Some larger complexes will have a recycling area for you to drop your recyclables into.
- Food Waste (음식물 쓰레기, Eumsikmul Sseuregi ): Requires special container, and in most areas in Ulsan, a tag system is used for disposal. For disposing of food scraps. In Ulsan, you need to purchase a food waste tag (음식물 쓰레기 스티커, Eumsikmul Sseuregi Seuteokeo or Eumsikmul Sseuregi Chip 음식물 쓰레기 칩) and attach it to the food waste container (if your building uses that system). These tags are available at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Failing to follow these regulations can result in fines, so it’s crucial to understand and comply with the rules.
Where to Buy Garbage Bags

You can purchase garbage bags at local supermarkets, convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), or traditional markets. Look for bags labeled with your district name (구 or 군 in Korean). In Ulsan, this could be Nam-gu, Dong-gu, Jung-gu, or Buk-gu. If you are buying the bags at a large supermarket, they may ask you which area you are located in as they may have ones for different areas.
Types of Bags:
- Standard Bags (“Jongnyangje Bags”): Used for general waste. These bags are typically available in various sizes, such as 10 liters, 20 liters, and 50 liters.
- Recyclable Waste: Special mesh bags are needed in some areas and you can get them for your local community center for free. You must sort your recyclables properly. Recyclables are sorted and placed in designated collection areas outside of most apartment complexes.
How to Separate Household Waste
Proper sorting is the cornerstone of South Korea’s waste system. Here’s a breakdown of how to separate your waste:

- General Waste: Place non-recyclable, non-food items in the designated “jongnyangje” garbage bags. Examples include non-recyclable plastics, cigarette butts, bones, coffee grinds and hygiene products (e.g., diapers, sanitary pads). Dispose of these bags in designated trash collection areas.

- Recyclables: Recyclables need special mesh bags in some areas. However, in all areas you must clean and separate them by type:
- Plastics: Bottles and containers (rinsed clean).
- Vinyl: Plastic bags, wrappers, ramyeon packaging, etc.
- Glass: Bottles and jars (remove caps and rinse).
- Metal: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and small metal items.
- Paper: Newspapers, books, magazines, cardboard (no food stains).Bundle paper items and sort other recyclables into separate bins provided in your apartment complex or neighborhood.
- Food Waste: Use designated food waste containers for organic scraps like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and leftover rice and grains.
- Do not include bones, shells, or large seeds.
- In Ulsan, you may need to purchase a food waste chip and attach it to the food waste container for one-room apartments.
- Food waste bins are located in some larger apartment complexes.

- Special Waste:
- Bulky Items: Large items like furniture or appliances require a separate disposal sticker (“계통품”, Gyetongpum). Buy these at your local district office, call or visit them to get your sticker.
- Hazardous Waste: Batteries, lightbulbs, and electronics have designated collection points, often at recycling centers or district offices. Batteries can often be disposed of in containers located in many government offices or community centers.

Finding Garbage and Recycling Days in Ulsan
Each district in Ulsan has specific days for garbage, food waste, and recycling collection. Check your local district office’s website or ask your apartment’s building manager (경비가, Gyeongbiga). The links below will provide some assistance.
Useful English Resources for Waste Disposal:
- Nam-gu District: namgu.ulsan.kr Korean Language guide (more detailed)
- Dong-gu District: donggu.ulsan.kr
- Jung-gu District: junggu.ulsan.kr
- Buk-gu District: bukgu.ulsan.kr
Alternatively, ask at your local community center (구민지시점, Guminjishijeom) for printed schedules.
Tips for Staying out of Trouble
- Labeling and Preparation: Ensure items are clean and free of food residue before recycling.
- Check Local Guidelines: Each district may have slight variations in rules. Many areas across Ulsan will have different days for pick-up. Different buildings will also have different systems.
- Be Mindful of Timing: Put garbage out on collection days only, as early disposal may attract fines or animals.
- Talk to your Neighbors: Ask for help or clarification from Korean neighbors or community groups like Ulsan Online’s facebook group.
Tips for Effective Recycling
- Read the Labels: Pay attention to the labels on recycling bins and waste bags to ensure proper disposal.
- PET 페트: Not for your dead hamster! These are usually clear beverage bottles with the labels removed.
- Vinyl 비닐: This is for any plastic wrappers and labels, plastic bags, plastic film, ramyeon packaging, etc.
- Clean and Dry: Make sure recyclable materials are clean and dry before placing them in the bins.
- Flatten and Crush: Flatten cardboard boxes and crush cans and plastic bottles to save space in the recycling bins.

- Use the Proper Bag: Always use the designated recycling mesh bag if available or in use in your area.

- Stay Informed: Check with your local district office or community center for specific recycling guidelines in your area. Look around and see what other people are doing too. Follow their lead if you don’t know.

Keep These Phrases Ready for Smoother Interactions:
- Do you have general waste bags? – 일반 쓰레기 봉투 있어요? (il-ban sseu-le-gi bong-tu iss-eo-yo?)
- Do you have food waste chips? – 음식물 쓰레기 칩 있어요? (eum-sig-mul sseu-le-gi chip iss-eo-yo?)
By following these guidelines, you’ll make sure you will not get a fine or have your neighbours yelling at you. Thank you to all who helped provide information and advice for this article.