Dongdaemun-gu Trash Collection Days & Recycling Guide
Complete waste disposal rules for residents and foreigners in Seoul: check collection days, evening drop-off hours, food waste separation, and bulky item permits.
MAPDongdaemun-gu Waste Map
Select any of the 15 neighborhoods on the map to view collection hours.
⏱️ Disposal Rules at a Glance
🚫 No-collection days: Contact the Cleaning Administration Department (Put out trash after sunset during designated hours)
Foreigner & Expat Waste Guide for Dongdaemun-gu
New to Seoul or living in this area? Here is the essential guide to Korea's volume-based trash bags (Jongnyangje), evening sunset rules, and fine warnings.
General waste (White/Blue) and food waste (Yellow/Pink) MUST use official Dongdaemun-gu district bags. Ask the cashier at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven).
"Jong-nyang-je bong-tu sip-li-teo han-jang ju-se-yo" (10L general bag, please)
Place bags directly outside your building door strictly after sunset (18:00–24:00) on designated days. Never leave trash during daylight or on non-collection days.
Plastic containers, drink cans, and transparent PET bottles must be rinsed clean, labels removed, and placed into clear/semi-transparent plastic bags.
Using regular shopping bags or dumping on off-days is strictly monitored by district CCTVs. Fines range from ₩100,000 up to ₩1,000,000 ($75~$750 USD).
⚡ Resident Quick Services
View collection hours on map
Find nearby textile drop-offs
Community center drop-off points
Apply online for large items
Official free home collection
🗂️ Waste Sorting & Disposal Details
Collection days in Dongdaemun-gu vary by neighborhood zone. Please check your area below.
📍 [일+화+목 Zone] (서울특별시 동대문구)
일+화+목 18:00~21:00📍 [월+수+금 Zone] (서울특별시 동대문구)
월+수+금 18:00~21:00🔍 Most Confusing Waste Items in Dongdaemun-gu
Items frequently mistaken for recyclables that belong in standard or non-combustible bags.
Cannot be recycled into animal feed; dispose of in standard volume-based bags.
Non-burnable waste; wrap safely in paper and use a special PP sack.
Internal plastic coating and thermal paper prevent standard paper recycling.
Composite material with aluminum lining; must be placed in general trash.
Remove all tape and shipping labels; only clean white foam is recyclable.
Grease-soaked cardboard cannot be pulped; throw into standard waste bag.
Illegal Dumping Fines & Penalties in Dongdaemun-gu
According to the Waste Management Act, failing to use standard bags or violating collection hours results in strict fines.
🏷️ Estimated Bulky Waste Sticker Fees in Dongdaemun-gu
Estimated standard sticker fees for bulky furniture and household items.
| Item | Size / Type | Est. Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛏️ Bed Mattress | Single / Double·Queen | ₩8,000 ~ 15,000 | Frame separate |
| 🛋️ Sofa | 1-seat / 2-3 seats / 4+ seats | ₩5,000 ~ 15,000 | All materials |
| 🪑 Dining Table / Desk | 1-person / 4-person+ | ₩4,000 ~ 9,000 | Glass top separate |
| 🪑 Chair / Stool | Standard / Office chair | ₩2,000 ~ 4,000 | Massage chair ₩15k~20k |
📍 Neighborhoods in Dongdaemun-gu (15)
Select any of the 15 neighborhoods in Dongdaemun-gu to view its collection hours and boundary on the map.
❓ 동대문구 Disposal FAQ
What are the general trash collection days and hours in Dongdaemun-gu?
In Dongdaemun-gu, trash is collected on designated days according to neighborhood zones. You must place your bags out at sunset between 18:00 and 24:00 directly in front of your house or building entrance. Daytime dumping is prohibited.
Where can I buy official garbage bags (Jongnyangje) in Dongdaemun-gu?
You can purchase them at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) and local supermarkets in Dongdaemun-gu. Ask the cashier for "Jongnyangje bongtu" (general waste: 5L, 10L, 20L) or "Eumsikmul bongtu" (food waste). Note that bags from other districts cannot be collected in Dongdaemun-gu.
What is the difference between food waste and general trash?
A simple rule of thumb: If an animal cannot eat it, it is NOT food waste. Chicken bones, ribs, eggshells, clam shells, fruit pits (peach, avocado), and onion skins cannot be recycled into animal feed and must go into regular general trash bags.
How do I dispose of large furniture and home appliances in Dongdaemun-gu?
For furniture (beds, sofas, desks), apply for a bulky waste sticker through the Dongdaemun-gu district office website or at designated local marts. For large electronic appliances (refrigerators, washers, TVs), you can book official free door-to-door e-waste pickup at 1599-0903.
What are the fines and penalties for illegal dumping or improper sorting?
Under Korea's Waste Management Act, discarding trash without official volume-based bags carries a fine of up to ₩200,000, and violating scheduled pickup days/hours incurs a ₩100,000 fine. Clear plastic bottles must have labels removed and be recycled separately.