Over ***tons of food waste were recycled in South Korea in 2023, an increase from the previous year. However, this was still lower than that of 2017. Of the observed years, 2019 showed the lowest volume of recycled food waste in the country at around ** ³Ù´Ç²Ô²õ.Ìý
Food waste separation
The multiple side dishes offered in South Korean meals play a part in generating food waste in the country. Food waste is further separated into livestock feed and general waste, and the separation guidelines for each can be confusing to some. As such, over ** percent of survey respondents did not comply with food waste separation standards.Ìý
Waste management technology
The government has worked to reduce the amount of food waste produced with technology as well. By using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, citizens can be charged based on the weight of the waste being thrown out on the spot. Improperly processed food waste can lead to issues of groundwater and soil contamination.
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KOSIS. (January 24, 2025). Household food waste recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 tons) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 04, 2026, from /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/
KOSIS. "Household food waste recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 tons)." Chart. January 24, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 04, 2026. /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/
KOSIS. (2025). Household food waste recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 tons). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 04, 2026. /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/
KOSIS. "Household Food Waste Recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 Tons)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 24 Jan 2025, /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/
KOSIS, Household food waste recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 tons) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/ (last visited August 04, 2026)
Household food waste recycled in South Korea from 2017 to 2023 (in 1,000 tons) [Graph], KOSIS, January 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1380937/south-korea-volume-of-household-food-waste-recycled/
