Tossing a sofa in South Korea? Don’t forget the sticker!

If PCSing is in your near future, you are moving to a new place or are simply in the process of decluttering, knowing how to dispose of large items is a must if you live off base in South Korea. Oversized disposals aren't treated like general household waste. Before you put out your old furniture or broken electronics, it’s important to get a disposal sticker or certificate to avoid getting a fine. There are two options you can choose from to place your oversized disposal onto the designated area.

For a disposal certificate, visit your local district office’s website and make a reservation for pick-up. You'll be required to input information about the specific furniture, contact, and address on the website. Once you’ve paid for your disposal item, you need to print out and attach the certificate to the item. If you don’t have a printer, write down the info of the certificate on any paper and attach it to the item. Online payments and the information needed can be complicated as many district websites aren’t in English. Pyeongtaek City only offers online service for disposals in Korean.

Another simple option is just to go to a convenience store or supermarket to buy the stickers which will save you a lot of hassle and time. In Pyeongtaek, you might be faced with a language barrier when you purchase a sticker at a supermarket, so make sure to a look at the price list ahead.

The price of the stickers and certificates (KRW 1,000 to 18,000 or $0.84 to $15.00) vary by district office.  Once you obtain the stickers and you have secured them onto the items, they are ready to be placed in your designated trash disposal area.  Pickup days vary by district as well, but in Pyeongtaek, items can be placed out for collection from Sunday to Friday after 8 p.m. Note that setting out items on Saturdays or during the day is prohibited.

Other items that require special attention are broken glass and ceramics. For these, a special trash bag, which can be purchased at local supermarkets, convenience stores or city council, is required. This bag is also for other non-flammable trash tiles, brick, etc. Depending on the size, in Pyeongtaek, the bags come in 5 to 50 kg sizes and vary in price (KRW 2,000 - 6,000).

While decluttering is gaining popularity or you’re anxious to update your home decor, in South Korea, it’s important to know before you throw!

Who to call

Resource Circulation Division, Pyeongtaek City Council: 8024-3861, 3862, 3863.

Environment and Sanitation Division, Anjung Branch Office: 8024-8261, 8261,8263.