How to Dispose of Curtains
- 1Curtains and blackout drapes are strictly banned from clothing donation bins and must be disposed of in standard general trash bags or with bulky waste stickers.
- ✓Multi-material blinds and roll screens must be tied securely and disposed of with municipal bulky waste stickers (₩2,000–₩4,000).
How to Dispose (5 Steps)
- 1
Remove Metal Curtain Pins & Hooks: Carefully pull out all sharp metal pin hooks and plastic clips from the curtain header (dispose metal pins in scrap metal, plastic clips in general waste).
- 2
Dispose Thin/Small Curtains in General Trash Bags: Fold compact sheer, linen, or small window curtains tightly and place inside standard municipal general waste bags.
- 3
Bulky Waste Sticker for Large Blackout Drapes: Heavy multi-layer blackout drapes or oversized velvet curtains exceeding trash bag capacities must be tied with twine and affixed with a bulky waste sticker (₩2,000–₩3,000).
- 4
Bundle Blinds & Affix Bulky Waste Sticker: Tie wood, aluminum, combi, or blackout roller blinds tightly with twine at 2–3 points to prevent unrolling, purchase a municipal bulky waste sticker (₩2,000–₩4,000), and place at designated collection sites.
- 5
Recycle Metal Curtain Rods & Rails: Detach plastic end-caps and mounting brackets from pure stainless steel or aluminum curtain rods, then recycle rods in scrap metal bins (wood/composite rods require bulky waste disposal).
Real-World Examples
Thin sheer/linen curtains: Fold and dispose in standard general waste bags
Oversized living room blackout drapes: Bundle with twine and affix bulky waste sticker
Wood, aluminum & combi blinds: Tie with twine and attach bulky waste sticker (₩2,000–₩4,000)
Stainless steel curtain rods: Remove plastic end-caps and dispose in scrap metal bin
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I put curtains or blackout drapes into curbside clothing donation bins?
A. No, absolutely not. Clothing donation bins only accept wearable clothes, shoes, and bags for export or thrift resale. Curtains, blackout drapes, duvets, pillows, cushions, and rugs are strictly prohibited items that act as non-recyclable contaminants. Thin curtains belong in regular trash bags, while heavy bulky drapes require municipal bulky waste stickers.
Q. How much does a bulky waste sticker cost for window blinds and roll screens?
A. While fees vary slightly by municipal district ordinance, standard window blinds and roll screens (1m–2m long) typically cost between ₩2,000 and ₩4,000 per unit. You can purchase stickers online via your district office website or in person at local Dong Community Centers and designated convenience stores.
Q. Can aluminum blinds be recycled directly as scrap metal?
A. Not as an intact assembly. While the horizontal slats are made of aluminum, the overall product incorporates heavy headrails, internal plastic gears, cords, and polyester pull strings that cannot be mechanically separated at general recycling facilities. Unless completely disassembled down to pure bare aluminum strips, entire blinds must be disposed of via bulky waste stickers.