How Korea successfully recycle over 95% of food waste

K-pop and technologies aren't the only arenas where South Korea is making a substantial global impact. Among its many incredible achievements, the country's recycling efforts shine brightly, ranking as No.1 in Asia and third globally (following Germany and Australia). The most impressive in our opinion or anyone's is Korea's food recycling rate: nearly zero waste!In 2021, South Korea recycled over 95% of its food waste, contributing significantly to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of natural resources, and improved soil health.

Let's dive into the secrets behind this near-impossible achievement.

In 2005, the country enacted a ban on landfilling food waste, followed by the introduction of a mandatory composting program in 2013. South Korea boasts one of the world's most comprehensive and successful food recycling and composting initiatives. Under this program, all households and businesses are obligated to segregate their food waste from other refuse.

Food waste is placed in biodegradable bags and deposited into designated bins equipped with weighing systems. Residents are then charged a fee based on the weight of their food waste, creating a financial incentive for waste reduction. The collected food waste is transported to specialized composting facilities, where it undergoes decomposition to produce valuable compost.

Key features of South Korea's food recycling and composting regulations include:

- The introduction of a landfill ban on food waste in 2005, significantly reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills.

The implementation of a mandatory composting program in 2013, obligating all households and businesses to segregate food waste from other trash.

- The imposition of fees based on the weight of food waste in major cities like Seoul, motivating individuals to reduce their food waste.

- Government investments in a comprehensive collection and transportation system to ensure proper composting and prevent food waste from ending up in landfills.

- The presence of composting facilities across the country, ensuring efficient and responsible conversion of food waste into a valuable resource.

So how do they use the food waste?? Well, it serves multiple purposes, including composting, biofuel production, animal feed, and fertilizer manufacturing. South Korea's food recycling and composting regulations set a fantastic example for other nations worldwide, demonstrating the possibility of reducing food waste and establishing a more sustainable food system. Achieving such a colossal goal requires collective effort, diligence, patience, and the care of every citizen. Congrats Korea!

​

Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHz-GC-OBIg

https://www.theguardian.com/.../south-korea-zero-food...

https://keia.org/.../south-koreas-food-waste-system-is-a.../