Waste management and recycling in the Republic of Korea has not only reduced waste generation but has also encouraged reusing waste as an energy resource.

Source: Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea

Extended Producer Responsibility is a system that imposes a certain quota for the recycling of wastes from products or packaging materials on the manufacturer of the products or the manufacturer of products that use the packaging materials. If the quota is not complied with, a fine that is greater than the cost of implementing proper recycling shall be imposed upon the manufacturer.

EPR is basically applied to existing items under a deposit system, and new items began to be added to EPR starting in 2003. In 2004, film-type packaging materials and fluorescent bulbs were added, with audio products and mobile communication devices added in 2005. Printers, copiers, and facsimile machines were added in 2006, and cosmetics were added in 2007. In 2008, manganese batteries, alkaline manganese batteries, and Ni-MH batteries were added, so EPR is currently being applied to a total of 24 items. Also, as electric and electronic products among EPR items have become subject to the Act on the Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles following the enforcement of the Act since 2008, preventive management, such as restrictions on the use of hazardous materials, have been tightened.