A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

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3R Gap Analysis and Findings
URBAN MUNICIPAL WASTE
South Korea experiences high environmental
pressures due to rapid growth in an
environment of particularly limited carrying
capacity. As a result, the country’s waste
generation per unit area is one of the highest
among Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) member countries.
Waste generation has steadily increased since
1993. However, South Korea’s waste, from both
municipal and commercial sources, has
substantially decreased after the introduction
of the Volume-based Waste Fee System in 1995.
Recycling under the Beautiful Tea
museum sign
Image source: Jana’s Travel Journal, 2006
The system resulted in savings of about USD 7.7
billion as a consequence of waste reduction of
about 61 million tons and increase in recyclable
collection of about 28 million tons. Before the
implementation of the Volume-based Waste Fee
System in 1994, solid waste generation was 1.33
kg/capita/day, which decreased to 1.07 kg/capita/
day in 1995, and further decreased to 1.04 kg/
capita/day in 2003.
Waste composition in Korea
Source: www.3rkh.net
In March 2002, the country prepared a national
framework under the Second Comprehensive
National Waste Management Plan 2002-2011 to
establish a sustainable and resource
circulating socio-economic foundation, thus
leading to the consistent promotion of waste
reduction policies. A few major policy areas
highlighted in this have greater utilization of
waste resources, as well as the safe treatment
and strengthened management of waste
materials. The targets under the plan are to:
• Reduce municipal waste generation by 12%,
which is expected to reach about 52,000 tons/
day in 2011
• Reduce the amount of waste incinerated
or landfilled by 22%; from 28,000 tons/day
in 2002 to 21,000 tons/day in 2011
• Increase recycling by 53% by 2011 through
efforts including a direct investment of 1.3
trillion Won (1 USD= 930 KRW) for
expanding recycling facilities, developing
recycling technologies, and fostering the
recycling industry
• Reduce industrial waste generation by 8%,
while increasing industrial waste recycling
to 80%
• Reduce per capita household waste
generation from 1.04 kg to 0.94 kg and
increasing the household waste recycling
rate from 44% to 50% between 2002 and
2008
Findings
In 2003, the Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR) System was introduced. The EPR System
which holds producers responsible for
meeting recycling targets, is being
successfully implemented and currently
applies to more than 15 items. Glass
bottles, packaging film, fluorescent light
bulbs, and electronic products like
televisions and computers are covered
under the EPR.
As a result of the restrictions on
disposable products use in public places
since March 1994, the generation of
plastic waste material has decreased
in many areas. Among the household
waste, packaging material comprises
the largest proportion at around 37%.