Seoul Reduces Daily Household Waste by 29 Tons... Sharp Increase in Recyclables Collection

Seoul's "10 Million Citizens' Waste Diet" Shows Results
Sharing Outstanding District-Specific Policy Initiatives
"Reducing One Standard Garbage Bag Per Citizen" Gains Momentum

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has succeeded in reducing daily household waste by 29 tons following the implementation of its waste reduction project. The city is currently promoting the "10 Million Citizens' Household Waste Diet Practice Project," which aims to reduce household waste by an amount equivalent to the annual waste generated by one district by having each citizen cut back by the volume of one standard garbage bag per year by 2027.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on May 10, the first performance assessment showed positive changes across the resource circulation system, including a reduction in household waste and an increase in the collection of recyclables. The assessment covered 25 districts over a two-month period from February to March 2026, focusing on four key areas: household waste reduction, increase in recycling, citizen participation efforts, and specialized projects.

A resource circulation center in the metropolitan area. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During the assessment period, the total volume of household waste generated across Seoul decreased by 29 tons per day compared to the same period last year, while the daily collection of recyclables increased by 60 tons. By district, distinctive resource circulation policies reflecting local characteristics were implemented. Notable tailored initiatives included the introduction of reusable containers at family campsites, the installation of shared baskets, and the creation of in-house promotional content.

In Eunpyeong District, support for events and festivals was provided through specialized companies for reusable containers, leading to a reduction in event-related waste. In Yeongdeungpo District, a reporting system was established for small electronics that would otherwise have been discarded in standard garbage bags. Seongdong District collected 48,400 beverage cups through designated collection bins, while in Seongbuk District, approximately 1,100 people participated in the "Resource Circulation Day Store," where recyclables could be exchanged for standard garbage bags.

Based on the results of this assessment, Seoul plans to share outstanding cases and provide a total of KRW 1 billion in financial support to exemplary districts for related projects, thereby strengthening on-the-ground efforts for waste reduction and resource circulation. Kwon Min, head of Seoul's Climate and Environment Headquarters, stated, "We are grateful for the changes created jointly by the districts and citizens," and added, "We will continue to discover effective reduction policies and improve systems to achieve tangible results in the future."

The city plans to reduce daily household waste by 120 tons—the daily amount generated by one district—by next year, by having each citizen reduce their annual waste by the equivalent of one standard garbage bag. Through these efforts, Seoul aims to reduce the generation of standard garbage bag waste and simultaneously improve systems and infrastructure to establish a foundation for 100% public treatment of household waste by 2033. The city will also establish a step-by-step plan to encourage citizen participation and commitment, building a sustainable framework for daily practice.

Meanwhile, the "100,000 Household Waste Diet Practice Pledge Challenge," launched to expand citizen participation, attracted a total of 109,838 citizens, surpassing the initial goal of 100,000. A total of 3,416 educational sessions and campaigns were conducted across districts to raise awareness. The city plans to continue with second and comprehensive assessments following this first evaluation, gradually increasing the weight of reduction and recycling performance in evaluations, and further enhancing the effectiveness and implementation of the household waste diet policy through district cooperation and participation.

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