When you move or replace furniture in Korea, the first question is usually: where do the old bed, wardrobe or sofa go? Large items are called 대형폐기물 (daehyeong pyegimul, bulky waste). You cannot leave them at the normal trash point. You need to report them to your local government and pay a small fee.
Three options, in the order to try
- Intact electrical appliances: book a free home pickup (see below).
- Items still in good shape: sell or give them away, for example as "나눔" (free) on the Danggeun (당근) app, or donate to Beautiful Store (아름다운 가게).
- Remaining furniture and large items: report them as bulky waste to your district.
Small items that fit in a pay-as-you-throw bag (종량제 봉투) just go in the bag.
How to report bulky waste
- Find the right office: your district office (구청) or community center (주민센터) for the address where the item will be put out.
- Pick the item and size from your local list. If it is not listed, ask the office.
- Report and pay. Go to the community center in person (bring cash) or report on your district website. Some guides say convenience stores such as CU and GS25 sell stickers in certain areas, but rules differ, so check locally.
- Attach the sticker or write the report number on the item where it is easy to see. One sticker per item.
- Put it out at the right place and time. Usually in the evening before collection or at the time on your receipt, without blocking passersby. In apartment complexes, ask the management office where to leave it.
Fees depend on the local government and the size of the item, with some small items starting around 1,000 won. Check the fee table on your district website first.
Appliances: free pickup
Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, TVs and many other old appliances are collected free of charge at your home under the 폐가전 무상방문수거 program.
- Booking: call 1599-0903 (weekday office hours), book at 15990903.or.kr, or use KakaoTalk. Seoul says you can search "폐가전무상방문수거" on KakaoTalk.
- Conditions: the item must be intact, not dismantled or cut up. Small items are usually accepted only in larger batches. Furniture is not covered.
- Collection days: Seoul says pickups run on Saturdays and public holidays, but not on Sundays or during Seollal and Chuseok.
- Built-in or installed items (such as wall-mounted air conditioners) must be removed first.
- Wipe data from devices with memory, as collected items are not returned.
What is the fine?
Under Korea's waste management law, discarding household waste improperly can lead to an administrative fine of up to 1 million won. The exact amount is set locally, so do not leave large items on the street without a sticker.
Moving-out tips
- Plan for large items early, as collection can take a few days after you report.
- Keep your receipt and a photo of the item with its sticker in case of disputes.
- If the item is still good, giving it away or donating saves the fee and avoids any fine.
Note: rules and fees differ between districts. Check your district website or ask your community center.
Sources: KoWork, "How to Get Rid of Big Waste in Korea"; Braindetox, "Bulky Waste in Korea - Stickers, Fees, Free Appliance Pickup"; Seoul Metropolitan Government, free appliance pickup service. This English version was compiled by Cẩm Nang Hàn Quốc.
