How to use the checker
- Type an item name in the search box or tap a popular item button.
- Check the tag beside the result. Green is food waste, red is general waste, yellow varies by area, and blue-gray is separate disposal.
- Each item also shows a feed suitability tag, and the description explains why it is classed that way.
How food waste is recycled
Separated food waste goes to a facility where foreign objects are removed and it is ground, dried and fermented into feed, compost or biogas material. Feed is eaten by animals, so salt and contaminants are tightly controlled, which is why removing hard shells, bones, toothpicks and plastic matters most.
This is also why the rule is phrased as whether an animal could eat it. Eggshell is part of an edible ingredient for people, but it is hard, strains grinding equipment and is hard to use as feed. Watermelon and banana peel, on the other hand, are soft, grind easily and are classed as food waste.
Why rules differ by area and how to check
The final treatment method for food waste differs by region, so the same item can be treated differently. Feed-focused facilities are strict about tough fibers and salt, while composting or biogas facilities may accept a wider range. Onion skins, green onion roots, fish bones, shrimp shells and coffee grounds are typical borderline items.
The exact rule is on your district or city office website under household waste sorting guidance and in notices from your building management. Use this tool to get the general direction first, and only check with your local government for the items marked as varying by area to save time.
Tips for disposing of food waste correctly
- Squeeze out as much water as possible to cut weight and smell.
- Check that no plastic, toothpicks or bottle caps are mixed in the bag or container.
- Collect hard shells and bones separately and put them in the general waste bag.
- Drain soup and throw out only the solids.
- Do not give pets human food casually.
FAQ
How do I tell food waste from general waste?
The basic rule is whether livestock could eat it and whether it grinds easily. Soft fruit peels, vegetables and leftovers are food waste, while hard shells, bones, large pits and tough fibers are general waste. Rules vary a little by local government, so follow your local guidance when unsure.
Does "feed OK" mean I can give it to animals at home?
No. It means the food waste can be processed at a facility and used as feed material. Human food is often salty and seasoned, and some ingredients such as onion, grapes and chocolate are dangerous for pets, so do not feed it directly at home.
Why do onion skins and green onion roots differ by area?
These items have tough fibers and many local governments call them general waste, but some facilities that compost or make biogas accept them as food waste. This tool marks such items as varying by area and tells you to check your local rule.
Notes & limitations
This tool is reference material based on general guidance from Seoul and the Ministry of Environment. Final rules can differ by local ordinance and facility, so follow your local guidance first. The feed tag describes suitability as facility feedstock and does not mean it is safe to feed animals directly.