Old Appliances in Korea: Free Pickup or Local Collection?
Replacing a fridge is one thing. Getting rid of one small appliance is another. In Korea, the right collection route depends on the item’s category, size and quantity.
Start with the national free pickup service’s current list. If your items do not meet its minimum, ask your building manager or local waste office about a separate collection route.
Which items can use national pickup?
The operator groups items as follows. Use its full guide for exclusions and unusual products.
| Category | Current rule |
|---|---|
| One-item category | Fridges, washing machines, air conditioners; TVs and monitors ≥31 inches. Other electrical products: width + depth + height ≥150 cm, or weight ≥12 kg. |
| Five-item category | At least five qualifying items: displays ≤30 inches and medium-small electrical products. Other products: combined dimensions 50–under 150 cm, or weight 1–under 12 kg. |
| Extra items | Very small products, such as electric toothbrushes: only with a qualifying one-item or five-item booking. |
For other electrical products, choose the higher category indicated by either dimensions or weight. Five tiny gadgets do not automatically meet the five-item rule.
Official reference: Current item list and collection rules (IN KOREAN)
Only one or two small items? Check locally
Ask your apartment management office whether it has a collection point for small appliances. In a house or smaller building, ask your city or district waste office which route applies to your address.
For example, Yongin’s current city guide directs apartment residents with fewer than five small appliances to building management. People in houses or shops can use the city’s separate doorstep collection route, listed with the number 1899-1769. This is a Yongin example, not a rule for every city.
Before buying a disposal sticker or carrying an item outside, confirm the item, collection place, day and any charge. Do not assume your normal recycling area accepts electronics.
Local reference: Yongin’s collection guide (IN KOREAN)
소형 폐가전 한 개는 어디에, 언제 배출하면 되나요?
Where and when can I put out one small old appliance?
Free collection still needs preparation
A broken appliance can be accepted, but dismantled or cut-up products are excluded. Separate parts alone do not qualify. Keep the appliance intact.
Fixed appliances, such as wall-mounted TVs and built-in products, must already be removed and ready for collection. Arrange safe removal; do not assume the collection team provides installation work.
Tell the operator about stairs, a missing usable lift or difficult access before booking a large item. Its FAQ restricts collection of large appliances in stairs-only situations to outside the building or a step-free ground floor. Do not try to move a heavy appliance alone.
Empty food, rubbish and packaging from the appliance. Someone must be present for indoor pickup. Keep the agreed route clear.
Official reference: Pickup FAQ (IN KOREAN)
Book after the route is clear
The national service is free. Use 15990903.or.kr or call 1599-0903. The phone centre is open weekdays, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., with a noon–1 p.m. lunch break; it closes on weekends and public holidays. Collection days vary by area.
KEYWORD_WORLD’s suggestion: keep a photo of the appliance, its dimensions and the building access details together. If you share a home, agree on the collection date before you book. That is more useful than clearing a corner and hoping the item will be collected.
Official reference: About the free service (IN KOREAN)
More everyday waste guidance
Read together in Korean
Share our KEYWORD_ guide with your Korean-speaking partner or family.
Information checked: October 8, 2026 (Korea time). Confirm current categories and local collection instructions before booking.
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment