The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 16th that it has unified the disposal standards for items that are difficult to recycle and distributed them to the 25 autonomous districts.
Recyclables are classified according to the guidelines regarding the separation of recyclable resources as mandated by the Ministry of Environment. However, there were no clear standards for the processing of items that are exceptions among some detailed categories.
As a result, the disposal standards for 'items that are difficult to recycle' varied across the autonomous districts in Seoul. This led to confusion regarding recycling classification items depending on one's residence. For example, while rubber gloves are classified as general waste, in Gangnam District they must be disposed of as recyclables.
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government selected about 60 items categorized as difficult to recycle from the existing recycling classification system and provided accurate disposal guidelines. It is said that these items were selected based on those that have recently caused controversy in the media and social media (SNS).
According to the unified standards for items that are difficult to recycle announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on that day, non-combustible waste that cannot be incinerated should be disposed of in special-sized bags. Additionally, small quantities of hazardous items such as broken glass and fluorescent lights should be wrapped in newspaper and disposed of in designated waste bags.
In addition, large items such as travel bags, strollers, and walkers can be reported as large waste and disposed of accordingly.
Kwon Min, head of the Climate and Environment Headquarters of Seoul, said, "I hope this standard will help recycling separation become more precise and convenient in the daily lives of citizens."