Penalties for those who discard inappropriately can be severe, with fines that exceed US $ 7,000 for companies
Yuna Ku, BBC reporter, resides in Seoul and is inserted in the eating waste recycling system. This country recycles approximately 97.5% of the 4.56 million tons of remains of food generated annually. In 1996, the era rate of only 2.6%, but the situation changed dramatically after the implementation of a waste weight collection system, which prohibited landfills from 2005. The South Korean recycling model offers three alternatives to the population: the use of specific bags, stickers for RFID-equipped shops and machines that perform waste weighing. Penalties for those who discard inappropriately can be severe, with fines exceeding $ 7,000 for companies.
Recycled food remains are mainly used in the production of animal feed, fertilizer and biogas. However, the inclusion of eating waste in animal feed has challenges, such as potential health risks of animals and restrictions imposed due to outbreaks. The success of the South Korea recycling system is attributed to a comprehensive approach that integrates collection, penalties, education and awareness of the population. Experts say, despite the effectiveness of the South Korean model, it is essential that countries with different economic realities adapt their policies, taking into account local data and specific needs.
Posted by Patrícia Costa
*Report produced with the aid of AI
