Seoul City installs exclusive paper carton recycling bins in residential complexes. (Image courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – In a bid to strengthen its circular economy efforts, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has initiated a pilot project to promote the separate collection and recycling of paper cartons, which can be transformed into high-quality natural pulp and recycled plastics such as polyethylene.
Starting this month, Seoul has installed 350 dedicated collection bins across 80 apartment complexes in Seocho District, covering some 35,000 households.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2024 with Seocho District, environmental NGOs, and private partners including Tetra Pak and the Korea Aseptic Carton Recycling Association.
City officials estimate the program will recover and recycle approximately 105 tons of paper cartons annually — equivalent to the environmental impact of planting 2,100 mature trees.
Paper Carton Recycling Guide Poster. (Image courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Paper cartons, commonly used for milk and juice, require strict separation from general wastepaper to be recycled effectively, as contamination prevents reuse.
Only 13.9% of paper cartons were recycled nationwide last year, according to the Korea Resources Circulation Service Agency, underscoring the need for improved collection systems.
Seoul’s new bins will accept rinsed, empty cartons with caps and straws removed. These will be stored at contracted depots before being delivered to paper mills for processing.
The city also plans to expand the program to other districts, including Nowon and Dobong, and will promote public participation through campaigns and educational outreach.
“This pilot project will help modernize our waste collection infrastructure and drive citizen engagement, laying the foundation for a more robust circular economy,” said Kwon Min, director of the city’s Climate and Environment Headquarters.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
