Order of tasks
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 2–3 weeks before | List furniture and appliances to get rid of; give away or sell what still works |
| 1–2 weeks before | Book free appliance pickup |
| 1 week before | Report bulky waste, pay, pick a date |
| Last collection days | Clear recyclables and trash bags |
| After moving | Learn the new collection days; sort out leftover trash bags |
Reporting bulky waste
Furniture, mattresses, suitcases and anything else that won’t fit in a trash bag must be reported to your city or district with a fee. In Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, for example: report online on the district website, pay, print the report receipt, attach it to the item and put it out; it is collected within 5 days of the date you chose. Procedures and fees differ by district. Putting items out without reporting can lead to a fine.
Free appliance pickup
Large appliances such as fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and TVs are picked up free through Korea’s e-waste home pickup service, even a single unit (15990903.or.kr, phone 1599-0903; mostly Korean). Some areas only take small appliances like microwaves and fans in batches. Wall-mounted air conditioners must be detached first, and units that need a ladder truck to remove can’t be collected.
Leftover trash bags
Volume-based trash bags (jongnyangje bongtu) are designed and priced by each local government and are meant for that area only. Some areas let newcomers keep using bags from their old district; others give stickers at the community center after you register your new address. Ask at your new community center.
Keep track in the app
Sort the awkward items
Umbrellas, broken dishes, frying pans, old clothes and suitcases all turn up when packing. Look them up in Waste Sorting Guide; anything needing a booking or special bin sits under Bulky / Special.
Reminders for the new place
Once you know the new collection days, set a Collection day reminder in Settings, with separate days and times for recycling, food waste and general waste.
FAQ
Can my landlord or building manager help?
Usually yes. They know the building’s collection spot and days, and some will help with the district booking.
The furniture is still good. Do I still report it?
If you are throwing it away, yes. Try giving it away or a district reuse center first.
Waste Sorting Guide - Recycle
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