Seoul’s Ambitious Waste Reduction Challenge: A City-Wide Effort

Seoul is launching a comprehensive initiative to drastically reduce household waste, aiming for a significant decrease in the amount of trash generated by its residents. This multi-pronged approach includes a citizen participation campaign and a broader effort to eliminate landfilling of unprocessed garbage.

The ‘100-Day Household Waste Diet Challenge’

Starting June 3, 2026, Seoul will embark on a “100-Day Household Waste Diet Challenge,” inviting citizens to actively participate in reducing their daily waste output. The program, which filled its 354 participant slots within a week of opening applications on May 4, is designed around self-monitoring and recording of waste. The number 354 represents the average daily household waste output per Seoul resident in grams Seoul Daily.

How the Challenge Works

Participants will engage in 10 cycles of 10 days each. The first cycle will establish a baseline measurement of their waste, followed by subsequent cycles focused on reduction. They will weigh seven categories of waste – pay-as-you-throw bags (general waste), paper, plastic, vinyl, bottles, styrofoam, and cans – using portable electronic scales and record the data on online tracking sheets Seoul Daily.

Progress will be shared in real-time via Instagram, with participants posting reduction tips, reflections, and photos to inspire others. At the end of the program, 10 outstanding participants will receive awards from the Seoul Mayor – seven recognized for the greatest reduction in pay-as-you-throw bag waste and three for the lowest total waste output Seoul Daily.

Eco-Mileage Rewards

Participants will earn Eco-Mileage points based on their reduction rates:

• 2,000 points for 10% or more reduction
• 3,000 points for 20% or more reduction
• 5,000 points for 30% or more reduction

These points can be redeemed for Seoul City tax payments (ETAX), Seoul Love/Onnuri gift certificates, gas bill payments, apartment management fee deductions, and donations Seoul Daily.

Broader Waste Reduction Initiatives

The “100-Day Household Waste Diet” is part of a larger effort to reduce the annual volume of general waste generated by Seoul residents by the equivalent of one standard volume-based rubbish bag (10 liters) per person by 2027 The Strait Times. This equates to approximately 120 tonnes of waste.

End to Direct Landfilling

Seoul is phasing out direct landfilling of household waste unless it has been processed through incineration or sorting. Only incineration ash can now be landfilled The Strait Times. This shift addresses environmental concerns related to odor and contaminated water leakage.

The ‘1 Bag Each’ Campaign

Alongside the 100-day challenge, Seoul is likewise implementing a “1 bag each” campaign, encouraging residents to limit their waste to a single bag The Korea Herald.

A Collaborative Approach

Son Young-hye, a member of the Green Seoul Citizens’ Committee, emphasized the importance of citizen participation in addressing the direct landfill ban Seoul Daily. Noh Soo-im, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Climate and Environment Policy Division, expressed gratitude to the participating citizens and encouraged continued engagement in the 100-day challenge Seoul Daily.