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“I’m used to it. For me, it’s a habit.”
Yuna Ku, a journalist for the BBC Korean Service and resident of Seoul, explains that in her apartment complex of 2,000 units, she pays to recycle her food waste in machines equipped with sensors.
Food waste recycling in South Korea may seem complicated, but it has turned the country into a global model.
Jae-Cheol Jang, a professor at the Institute of Agriculture at Gyeongsang National University and co-author of a study on this system, notes that in 2022, around 4.56 million tons of food waste from households and businesses were processed. Of this amount, 97.5% was recycled, an impressive percentage compared to countries like the United States, where nearly 60% of food waste ends up in landfills.
The UN highlights the issue of food waste globally, estimating that 931 million tons were generated in 2019. This topic is commemorated every September 29th on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.
A Historic Change
In 1996, South Korea only recycled 2.6% of its food waste. However, following the industrialization and urbanization of the 1980s, social problems such as waste management arose.
The increase of landfills near residential areas sparked protests.
Citizen campaigns led the government to implement a waste management system that included a pay-as-you-throw system. In 2005, dumping food waste in landfills was prohibited, and in 2013, the current "Pay by Weight for Food Waste" system was established.
Recycling Options
The recycling system varies by region but generally includes three methods:
Authorized Bags: Residents buy special bags for food waste. For example, a three-liter bag costs 300 won, approximately 20 cents.
Stickers: Restaurants use pre-purchased stickers placed on waste containers according to their weight.
RFID Machines: Yuna now uses machines that weigh the waste and calculate the cost. The system automatically deducts the charge from her monthly bill.
Commitment and Penalties
The general population complies with the regulations, which include separating recyclable materials. Those who do not comply face fines, which can exceed $70 for households and $7,000 for businesses.
Effective Recycling
Recycled waste is mainly used as animal feed (49%), fertilizer (25%), and biogas production (14%). Despite its success, the system faces challenges, such as animal health risks and the high salt content in South Korean food.
Lessons for Other Countries
The Korean system combines financial incentives, public education, and strict regulations, making it a model to follow. However, the applicability of this approach in lower-income countries may differ. In nations with food insecurity, the priority should be maximizing food use, focusing on reducing losses and donations.
Rosa Rolle, an FAO expert, emphasizes that policies must adapt to local contexts, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to food waste.
Sources: BBC.
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