How South Korea became the champion of food waste recycling • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

In South Korea, recycling and reducing food waste have become integral parts of daily life. Citizens, like Lisa, meticulously sort food waste to comply with strict waste management rules and avoid fees based on weight. Food waste is processed into animal feed or compost, and innovative AI technology is being used in schools to raise awareness and reduce waste. With government support, the country has successfully implemented recycling programs, aiming for carbon neutrality while educating future generations about the environmental impact of food waste. Fines for non-compliance further motivate participation in the national effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 South Korea has an efficient recycling system, with dedicated bins for food waste, plastics, glass, and metals.
• 😀 Individuals, like Lisa, sort food waste at home, using a printed chart to help identify the correct bin for different types of waste.
• 😀 In South Korea, food waste is weighed, and households pay a fee based on the weight of their waste to encourage reduction.
• 😀 Lisa uses a smart system where she taps her card to open the waste bins, making disposal efficient and tracking the amount of waste.
• 😀 Housewives in South Korea are conscious of waste reduction due to the financial impact of the food waste fees.
• 😀 South Korea's restaurants also sort food waste, especially after serving traditional dishes with many side items (banchan), which often go uneaten.
• 😀 Despite the large amount of food waste (nearly 5 million tons per year), South Korea recycles almost all of it, with much being turned into animal feed.
• 😀 Food waste processing facilities convert waste into animal feed by grinding, drying, and removing non-food items.
• 😀 The South Korean government has invested nearly 700 million euros annually in food waste recycling and environmental initiatives.
• 😀 AI and camera technology are used in schools to measure food waste and educate children on its environmental impact, reducing waste by up to 86%.
• 😀 Fines of up to €700 are imposed on those who fail to separate their waste, ensuring compliance with the recycling system.

Q & A

Why is recycling so important in South Korea?

Recycling is a crucial part of life in South Korea as it helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. The country has implemented systems like intelligent containers to ensure proper disposal and recycling of food waste, which is processed into compost or animal feed.

What is Lisa's method for sorting food waste at home?

Lisa separates her food waste based on different categories, such as potato peels for food waste and onion skins for general waste. She initially used a printed chart to help her, but now she can remember where about 80% of her food waste should go.

How does the food waste disposal system in South Korea work?

In South Korea, food waste is disposed of in designated bins that can be opened using a special card. The waste is weighed, and residents are charged a fee based on the weight of the waste they throw away. Some areas use intelligent containers, while others require special biodegradable bags for waste disposal.

What role does the South Korean government play in food waste management?

The South Korean government has been involved in food waste management for nearly 20 years, spending nearly €700 million annually. It focuses on transforming food waste into compost, animal feed, and exploring biogas production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How does South Korea ensure food waste is recycled effectively?

Food waste in South Korea is processed at plants where it is turned into animal feed. The waste is stored in tanks, ground up, and cleaned to remove non-food items before being dried. Some of the processed waste is sent to farms as feed, while the rest is used in various recycling processes.

What are banchan, and how do they contribute to food waste in South Korea?

Banchan refers to the small side dishes served alongside the main meal in Korean cuisine. While they are an essential part of Korean dining, many of these dishes are left uneaten, contributing to food waste. These leftovers are separated and discarded after the meal.

What impact did the AI-based food waste reduction pilot program in schools have?

The AI-based food waste reduction program in schools showed a significant impact, with reductions of up to 86% in waste at the schools where the program was most effective. On average, food waste was reduced by 60% across the participating schools.

How does the AI food waste system work in schools?

In the AI system, students place their plates on a scale after eating. The system uses cameras to capture their faces and calculate the amount of food waste, immediately determining the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the goal of South Korea’s food waste reduction efforts?

The goal is to reduce food waste significantly, prevent unnecessary waste generation, and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. The government is exploring various methods, including turning food waste into biogas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What penalties exist for failing to separate food waste in South Korea?

In South Korea, individuals who fail to properly separate their food waste can face fines of up to €700, incentivizing people to follow the strict recycling rules and contributing to the country's overall waste reduction efforts.