Jeju has a problem. It has a growing population producing increasing waste, but few places to dispose of it. The only long-term answer is recycling, and residents are encouraged to do so as much as possible. The rules, however, are many and perhaps daunting to the uninitiated, with potential fines for residents failing to properly follow the policy. To ensure you don’t feel ill-disposed toward your weekly disposal, here is The Weekly’s guide to separation, bagging and generally putting out the trash.

The Clean House

Waste should be disposed at a “Clean House” according to strict separation procedures and in designated bins and bags. Clean Houses are clusters of bins in a small shelter situated within apartment complexes or on residential streets. Each site has its own number and your residence will be designated one such site to use.

Collection day

Recyclables are picked up everyday except Saturday, but pickups vary by site. Some Clean Houses also have non-disposal days so please check your local facility.

Disposal bags

These are mandatory and can be bought from local marts. The premium paid goes toward the cost of the refuse service.

▶White trash bags (720 won for 20 two-liter bags)

Combustible trash that can burn such as tissues, damaged paper or non-recyclable plastics.

▶Yellow trash bags (720 won for 20 two-liter bags)

For food waste that should be thoroughly drained. (See below for information on pay-as-you-throw food waste disposal.)

▶Green trash bags (360 won for 10 two-liter bags)

For broken ceramics, glass and paint cans, etc.

Large disposal bins

▶Large gray bin:

Combustible trash in white bags.

▶Large green bin:

Plastics, metals, cans.

- Plastic bottles/glass bottles/cans: Remove all contents completely and remove all wrapping/labels before disposal.

- Metals: Ensure non-metals are not present and dispose in a paper bag or tie with string.

▶Large orange bin:

- Paper/cardboard. Should be dry, flattened and tied together with string.

Small disposal bins

▶Small gray bin with yellow lid: Food waste in yellow bags

▶Small orange bin with green lid: Glass bottles/jars

▶Dark green standing bin: Unwanted clothes, shoes, curtains, carpet

▶Small gray boxes: Batteries

▲ Clean Houses are clusters of bins for separation and disposal in a small shelter situated within apartment complexes or on residential streets. Photo by Kim Seonyoung

Others

- Trash that does not meet any of the criteria should be disposed of as “large-sized trash”.

Large-sized trash or electricals

● For the disposal of large-sized waste, such as furniture, electrical appliances and quilts, a request should be made to the local administrative office.

- A large trash sticker should be attached to the item for collection if it cannot be reused. (Reusable items should be re-used or given to charity.)

- Stickers are purchasable from the appropriate eup, myeon or dong resident center for collection. Online requests (Korean only) are available at: Jeju City : http://waste.jejusi.go.kr Seogwipo City : http://waste.seogwipo.go.kr

Pay-as-you-throw food waste management system

The pay-as-you-throw food waste management system has been in effect nationwide since Jan 1. Jeju residents living in apartment buildings or residential areas of more than 50 houses are required to dispose of food waste using the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Reader) system. Those living in areas with no access to RFID bins continue to use a Clean House.

Charges are 22 won per kilogram when using the RFID card, and 76 won per kilogram for restaurants and other large-scale establishments. Yellow food-waste bags can be purchased at convenience stores for Clean House users.