"Are You Properly Sorting PET Bottles?" Visiting the Transparent PET Bottle Separation Site [A Reporter Goes]

Implementation of 'Separate Disposal of Transparent PET Bottles' System for Nationwide Apartment Complexes
Colored PET Bottles Must Be Disposed Separately When Throwing Away PET Bottles

A recycling station within an apartment complex. There is a notice asking to separate and dispose of transparent PET bottles separately. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "We need to remove the label...", "I just found out that this system has been implemented."

With the implementation of the 'Separate Disposal of Transparent PET Bottles' system targeting apartment complexes nationwide, it has been found that proper separation and disposal are not being carried out at some recycling stations. However, it appears to be in the early stages of establishment as the system has just been implemented. Apartment residents were seen removing labels from PET bottles at the recycling stations or sorting them at home before disposing of the bottles, following the new system.

Earlier, the Ministry of Environment revised the 'Guidelines on the Separation and Collection of Recyclable Resources.' According to this, when disposing of PET bottles, they must be separated from colored PET bottles.

Apartments with 300 or more households, or those with 150 or more households and elevators installed, have been subject to the system since the 25th of last month. Multi-family and detached houses will have a one-year grace period, with the system taking effect from December 25th next year. Row houses and villas that wish to participate in transparent PET bottle separation can join starting this year.

Recently, at a recycling station within an apartment complex, residents were frequently seen removing labels (such as brand stickers) in front of the large sacks designated for PET bottles.

Mr. Kim, a worker in his 50s, said, "Some labels come off easily, while others don't," adding, "I think I should remove them at home before bringing them out." He continued, "I wish the PET bottle manufacturers would make labels that come off easily, like bands." He also said, "Some bottled water doesn't have labels, and I wish all of them were like that."

A sack for collecting transparent PET bottles. Some still have the labels attached. These must be separated again as colored PET bottles. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Since the system is still in its early stages, the PET bottles inside the large sacks were a mixed collection of properly disposed bottles with labels removed and colored PET bottles. Some bottles still contained beverages. Also, although bottles should be crushed to reduce volume before disposal, some were disposed of in their original shape.

One resident said the system is just beginning and is in the process of settling in. Mr. Lee, a worker in his 30s, said, "The term 'transparent PET bottle' itself is unfamiliar," emphasizing, "I think it will settle down over time." Another resident, Mr. Park, said, "I didn't know PET bottles could be a resource like this."

Separated transparent PET bottles go through sorting and recycled raw material processing at recycling companies and are made into textile yarns used for functional clothing, bags, or are recycled into new containers. This is why it is essential to remove labels and dispose of them transparently.

A notice about transparent PET bottle recycling posted on a bulletin board within an apartment complex. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Some citizens believe that starting with transparent PET bottle disposal will change perceptions about other recyclables as well. Mr. Kim, a worker in his 50s, said, "Seeing recycled PET bottles naturally changes awareness about recycling other items," adding, "Recycling stations could become a kind of outdoor classroom for children." He emphasized, "I hope other recyclable items are also properly recycled to greatly benefit the resource industry."

Meanwhile, a security guard at another apartment complex urged residents to properly separate and dispose of PET bottles. Mr. Park, a security guard in his 60s, said, "Residents are not yet properly separating PET bottles," adding, "If we continue to promote (transparent PET bottles, etc.), they will eventually dispose of them correctly." He emphasized, "Proper separation and disposal also make things easier for people working in the apartment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.