Apartment complexes subject to mandatory management in South Korea began a voluntary program in October to collect milk cartons, aseptic drink cartons and other beverage cartons separately, keeping them out of bins for newspapers and cardboard.
Who it covers
The program covers complexes with 300 or more households and other properties under mandatory management. It is not an obligation for every type of home.
The Korea Housing Managers Association has asked building managers to provide dedicated carton bags or bins and signs. Management offices set each complex’s collection point.
How to sort
The environment ministry’s October 7 guidance says ordinary milk cartons should be emptied, rinsed and flattened. Aseptic cartons used for drinks such as juice and soy milk should be cut open first, then emptied, rinsed and flattened.
Both types go into the designated carton bin or bag.
Planned requirement in 2027
The government says it plans to make carton separation mandatory at the targeted housing from January 1, 2027, after amending the relevant guideline. Public comments on the draft are due by October 14.
The current phase is voluntary; the requirement depends on the guideline revision.
