Where to take it
- Pharmacies and public health centers (bogeonso) — many have a collection bin.
- Community centers — some districts keep bins there.
- Mailboxes — in areas that partner with Korea Post, such as Seoul, you can write "waste medicine" (pyeuiyakpum) on an envelope and drop it in a mailbox. Liquid medicine can’t go in mailboxes.
Programs vary by area. Check your district office to see whether mailbox drop-off applies to you.
By type
| Type | Prep | Mailbox |
|---|---|---|
| Pills | Remove the paper box; blister handling per local guidance (Seoul mailboxes: as packed) | In some areas |
| Powders | Leave sealed in their packets | In some areas |
| Liquids, syrups | Combine in one container, cap tightly | No — use pharmacy, health center or community center bins |
| Ointments, eye drops | In the original container, capped | Check locally |
Packaging
Empty blister packs (plastic plus aluminum) are mixed materials and go in the trash bag under the national guideline. Paper boxes and leaflets go in paper.
Check in the app
Search "medicine"
In Waste Sorting Guide, search "medicine" or "pill" to see the entries for leftover medicine and empty blister packs, each with its own instructions.
Share with family
Helping a parent clear out a medicine cabinet? Use the share button on the item screen to send the instructions as a text message, and star items you check often so they show in Favorites.
FAQ
Do supplements count as medicine?
It depends on the area. Ask a nearby pharmacy or your district office.
What about needles and syringes?
Don’t put them in regular bins because of injury risk. Ask the clinic, pharmacy or public health center that supplied them.
Waste Sorting Guide - Recycle
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