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South Korea's recycling industry has seen significant growth, with the number of waste recycling companies increasing by over from 2017 to 2023. This expansion reflects the country's commitment to sustainable waste management practices. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in addressing plastic waste and managing increasing volumes of municipal solid waste in certain regions.

Evolving waste management landscape

The rise in recycling companies has been accompanied by growth in related sectors. Employment in waste collection, treatment, and disposal services has grown significantly since 2011, indicating a robust job market in the industry. Alongside this, Korea has also made efforts to reduce its plastic waste exports, which have declined significantly since 2017. These trends suggest a shift towards domestic waste management solutions. 

Challenges and global context

Despite Korea's impressive recycling rate, the country faces ongoing challenges. In Jeju, for example, the daily per capita municipal solid waste generation in 2023 was *** that of the national average. This highlights the need for continued efforts in waste reduction and management. With the global waste recycling services market expected to continue growing and increasing environmental awareness, the economic potential of the recycling industry is one to watch for.