Korea sorts its rubbish carefully — and the rules are mostly written in Korean, differ a little between districts, and are full of surprises (bones are not food waste). BinSum puts them in plain English, one item at a time, with the Korean word so you can ask.
How we keep it accurate
Each item page is based on official sources — Seoul Metropolitan Government’s unified sorting standard, its food waste standard, and district rules — and lists them at the bottom. We only add an item when the rule is confirmed. Where cities or districts differ, the page says so.
BinSum is not a government website. Your district office and your building’s notice always have the final word. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment runs an official Korean-language guide at 분리배출.kr.
Who we are
BinSum is made in Korea by the small team behind KoreaSum and MenuSum. The site is supported by advertising.
Missing an item, or found a rule that is different where you live? Tell us.