Eat Deliciously and Dispose Properly

Published 17 Jan.2023 17:00(KST)

Unexpectedly, Not Food Waste

The phrase ‘Let’s protect the Earth!’ is both simple and challenging. However, there are many things individuals can practice through small habits in daily life. Reducing the use of disposable products, using public transportation, conserving water, reducing food waste, and so on... Although these are easy to say, when personal circumstances or unavoidable situations arise, we inevitably end up feeling sorry for the Earth again.

On December 30, 2022, Seoul City announced that the average daily amount of food waste generated from households reached 1,903 tons. This is a 10.3% decrease compared to 2019. Seoul City established and implemented the ‘Pilot Project for the Distribution of Household Food Waste Reduction Devices’ to reduce food waste generated from households.

People obtain most of the energy needed for living from food. However, food is often classified as waste in an instant because it tastes bad or because one is full. Most food waste is naturally recycled as compost or animal feed. To solve problems arising during this process, we need to reduce food waste.

First, foul odors occur during landfill. Moreover, pollution of soil and water causes a vicious cycle. In other words, people cannot use clean water, and the Earth’s soil gradually becomes dirtier. Second, there is severe economic waste. The cost of processing food waste cannot be ignored. Third, harmful gases are generated during incineration, which are harmful to humans. In addition, problems such as energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions occur.

How do you dispose of food waste?

First of all, the method of disposing of food waste varies by local government. Some use volume-based waste bags, while in most apartments, food waste is disposed of in dedicated food waste collection bins. This depends on the area where you live, so be sure to learn the correct disposal method.

Also, be careful that some things you might not think of are not food waste. Food waste refers to food left uneaten by humans or animals or food that has become inedible due to spoilage. However, some parts of food are not classified as food waste.

How is it classified?

Surprisingly, the following are not food waste:

- Various bones, fish bones, fruit seeds, eggshells: because some parts are not easily crushed during processing.

- Roots and peels without moisture such as green onions, corn, onions, garlic: because they contain substances that reduce animals’ digestive ability, making them unsuitable for compost or feed.

- Doenjang & Gochujang (fermented soybean paste & red chili paste): due to excessive salt content, they are harmful to animals and difficult to reuse.

Where should you dispose of them?

It is correct to dispose of them as general waste. Various sauces should be diluted with water before disposal or thrown away as general waste.

Are there any other precautions?

When disposing of food, be sure to remove moisture. Also, remove foreign substances other than food waste, such as plastic or chopsticks. This is because they cause foul odors and increase processing costs and time.