Ever Wondered Why There Are So Few Trash Cans on Korean Streets? A Local's Guide!
Ever Wondered Why There Are So Few Trash Cans on Korean Streets? A Local's Guide!
Ever felt that moment of frustration during your delightful trip to Korea, with a piece of trash in hand and absolutely nowhere to put it? You're not alone! Many global tourists visiting Korea find themselves in this exact predicament. News reports and countless YouTube videos feature bewildered foreigners asking, "Why are there so few trash cans on Korean streets?"
This is a common experience for those accustomed to readily available public bins, often leading visitors to carry their trash until they find a bin inside a subway station, convenience store, or cafe.
The Mystery: The Real Reason for Korea's Missing Street Bins
So, where do Koreans put their trash? This mystery has a fascinating social backstory. The scarcity of street trash cans in Korea is the result of a complex series of events, almost like an unfolding drama.
Our story begins in 1995, when Korea introduced a groundbreaking system called the "Volume-Based Waste Fee System." This meant people had to pay for their trash based on its weight or volume, encouraging them to reduce waste and recycle.
While the system was effective, it led to an unexpected side effect: illegal dumping. Residents and businesses, trying to save money, started secretly discarding their household or commercial waste into public street bins.
Soon, clean street bins overflowed with illegally dumped garbage overnight. The areas around them became dirty and smelly, ruining the city's appearance. Local governments struggled to manage the escalating problem. With limited staff to empty and maintain the bins, they were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of trash. Their solution was drastic but necessary: drastically reduce the number of street trash cans. The logic was that if there were no bins, there would be no illegal dumping.
This decision did help curb illegal dumping, but it created a new problem: the familiar complaint of "Nowhere to throw my trash!" Of course, the Volume-Based Waste Fee System successfully ingrained a new habit in Koreans: taking their trash home to dispose of it properly. The mindset of 'I am responsible for my own waste' became deeply rooted.
However, policies are rarely perfect. When public inconvenience grew, trash cans would sometimes be re-installed, only to be removed again due to renewed illegal dumping or management issues. This inconsistent policy change, constantly shifting like taffy, left both citizens and tourists confused. Conflicts arose between shop owners, who complained about overflowing bins near their stores, and pedestrians, who had nowhere to discard their waste.
In conclusion, the scarcity of street trash cans in Korea stems from a combination of factors: illegal dumping after the Volume-Based Waste Fee System's introduction, challenges in maintaining urban aesthetics, limited management personnel, and inconsistent policy changes. While most Koreans are now accustomed to carrying their own trash, it remains a puzzling sight for many international visitors.
Smart Ways to Handle Your Trash in Korea!
Don't let the lack of street bins spoil your Korean adventure! Here are some clever ways to manage your trash responsibly:
Carry your trash: This is the most common method Koreans use. It's best to keep your trash in your bag or pocket until you reach your destination where you can dispose of it.
Utilize convenience stores, cafes, or fast-food restaurants: Most convenience stores, franchise cafes, and fast-food chains have trash bins inside their premises. Even if you don't buy anything, you can often use their bins, though some stores might have restrictions on outside trash.
Check subway stations or large public facilities: Subway stations, large department stores, shopping malls, and public offices usually have clearly marked trash bins. You can use these facilities to dispose of your trash while on the go.
Look for designated tourist area bins: Some major tourist spots, parks, or festival grounds might have temporary trash bins set up. It's a good idea to check their locations in advance if possible.
Never litter: In Korea, illegal dumping can result in fines. Please be careful not to discard trash on streets or in parks indiscriminately!
