South Korea is known for its fight to improve waste and recycling processes. Households and public waste bins break trash down into 5 (sometimes 6) compartments:
Food Waste
Plastic/Glass
Aluminum (aka PET)
Paper
Regular Waste
It gets a bit tricky, as every city/suburb has its own rules and processes. I live in a neighborhood where the waste bag is green, but most people use whatever plastic grocery bag they have available and fill it up. As far as I know, I have not run into any issues with my recylcing and regular waste offerings. For food waste, the process is similar to the composting my family practiced. Here, 95% of food waste is to be composted.
Where I live, we use red food waste bins, that have a strainer to separate the liquid from the food. The bin is then to be placed outside in a designated area to be emptied. Most people will keep the food waste in a plastic bag in the freezer until it is time to put out the bins, to eliminate the smell.
Story Time
About 2 weeks ago, I had finally plucked up the courage to brave the food waste bin procedure (ie, my food waste freezer bag was full). I asked my co-teacher where I should place the bin, and after she got in touch with my landlady, she told me it was to be next to The Pole by the building. She also reminded me that food waste would be picked up Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Day 1
Wednesday…. I put my waste into the bin, go downstairs, and place the bin next to the pole. I go on to my school to get work done. When I return from school, my bin is not next to The Pole I had placed it by this morning, but it had journeyed to another pole, 10 feet away. I looked around perplexed, and then opened the bin to see if the waste was gone. Alas, it was still there, and the smell was not pretty. The bleating black goat is watching me.
I reached out to my CoT and she said to leave it out until Friday, just in case. And so, I did…
Day 3
Friday… I go to school to get more work done, knowing the bin should be empty when I return in the afternoon. I go about my day, and on my way home, I decide to check out the bin situation. Alas… the bin is GONE! Now I’m perplexed. But I think that perhaps they take the bins with them as they empty the food waste, wash them and return them to us? I guess I’ll find out tomorrow!
Day 4
Saturday… No bin in sight. The bleating black goat is now taunting me, as he continues to eat his cabbage and carrots.
Day 5
Sunday… As I am making my way back from a mountain trail, I see my long lost bin on the side of the road, next to the pole that I usually put my recycling and regular waste by. I open the bin and still see my lovely food waste inside. I decide to leave the bin until Monday, to see what happens…
Day 6
Monday… I go to school, I also reach out to my co-teacher about the bin situation, hoping perhaps the landlady can provide her further clarification. At this point, I’m worried about receiving a fine. (to be fair, I am STILL worried that I will receive a fine). My co-teacher says not to worry. Things should be ok.. She then suggests that I should not use the bin anymore, but rather a green waste bag moving forward, after I’ve strained the liquid from the waste. I ask other EPIK teachers about their process, and every one is different depending on their building and neighborhood.
I decide to check the bin before I climb 4 flights of stairs to retrieve a green bag.
Guess What?!?!!?
The food is gone! Only the liquid remains! I did a little jig of confused excitement, as the the bleating goat stared at me. This time, I defiantly stared back. I carried the bucket upstairs, drained the liquid in the drain of the laundry room, and made a mental note that I need more green bags.
If you want to learn more about the waste process of Korea, you can watch this video I found: Korea Waste . Please note, the bins they use are not what we have here in this suburb. We practice a “pile the bags next to the pole until they disappear” method. Every day, trash is picked up.
On another note…
The Seomun Market has been known for its lively Night Markets, as well as its day time markets. Last night, I decided to venture to the market…. which is a night time ghost town.
This is apparently what it usually looks like… I hope to go soon, so I can provide a personal account
Online school preparations are in full swing at my 2 schools. I have been building PowerPoints, recording over them, and exporting them as videos. This week the students begin accessing the virtual classes. Its a brave new world for public school teachers all over the world.
Everyone, please stay safe, healthy, and sane!
A Girl And Her Pez 
Your travelog continues to fascinate me! From an environmentalist perspective, SK has the right idea about water and recycling. From a personal perspective, challenges continue. Maybe they will resolve when life reaches a new normal.
I’m thankful that you are well and continuing to go forward in school preparations. That may be somewhat boring, but will keep your mind occupied. And look at all you are experiencing and learning!!
Today is Easter morning in Michigan! Blessed Easter to you, dear Kate.
It will be a different Easter for me also. Even though Meredith is only a block away, I’ve only see her when she delivers groceries and supplies. She places them on my back patio table for me to wipe down before bringing them inside. Sometimes, I walk (wearing a mask) to wave at the children or talk to them standing in the yard. I try to walk in my neighborhood each day just to get fresh air and some sun. I plan to put a fresh table cloth on my dining room table, wear a spring outfit, and enjoy rereading “The Robe” while eating and listening to fun music.
I love you and I miss you. Continue to take care of yourself. You are so precious! Love and hugs! Aunt Kathy
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I’m glad y’all are taking proper precautions. Love you
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