South Korea has become a leader when it comes to recycling food waste, with 98% of leftovers from homes and restaurants being turned into compost. The government has a mandated composting scheme that requires residents and businesses to put unfinished food in yellow plastic bags, separating it from the rest of the garbage. The food waste bags are brought to processing plants where the contents are recycled into biogas, animal feed, fertilizer, and even energy sources. The cost effectiveness and accessibility of South Korea’s program have been integral to its success. Food waste bags cost only 20 cents a piece, and there is a daily curbside pickup system to prevent food from accumulating and rotting outside. As South Korea nears its goal of recycling 100% of food waste, the country hopes other governments around the world can mimic their effective model to decrease food waste on a global scale.
Image via LA Times
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