Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Waste management in South Korea - statistics & facts
For some, South Korea's consumerist culture is characterized by an excess use of packaging and convenience-driven services that lend itself toward single-use goods. At the same time, the country has sought to achieve a circular economy, focusing on having materials remain in use for as long as possible via repurposing or repairing. To do so, Korea's waste management industry has nearly 18,000 companies, of which the majority mainly handle the collection and transportation of waste. In the last decade, the country has expanded its workforce in waste treatment and disposal services. Despite this, concerns remain about the environmental impact of the existing waste management system.
