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South Korea Curbs Food Waste With Hi-Tech Tracking

Recycling receptacles line a curb in South Korea

Using a high-tech radio-frequency identification tracking system, South Korea has waged one of the most successful campaigns against food waste in the world.

In 2013, the country implemented a system requiring residents to scan an ID card when using public trash cans.

The receptacles weigh the amount of garbage that goes in, and a metered disposal fee goes to the user.

Trash bags can be purchased for about one dollar per 2.6 gallon bag (10 liters), which also encourages sorting and waste reduction.

Since 2008, the country's food waste has dropped from 5.1 million metric tons to 4.82 million in 2014.

The country's environment ministry says these measures have helped to reduce household food waste in Seoul by 30 percent.

Read More:



  • ‘Pay As You Waste' System Helps South Korea Cut Down On Discarded Food (PSFK)
  • South Korea Cuts Food Waste With 'Pay As You Trash' (Straits Times)


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