Why there are no trash cans on the streets in South Korea

In the past, South Korea had trash cans in public areas just like other countries. However, about 20 years ago, the government enacted strict laws for recycling, and all trash cans in public areas that were not properly sorted were removed.

Currently, the general social atmosphere is that it is natural for people living here to take their own trash and dispose of it personally. Instead, there are trash cans where the trash is generated, such as at convenience stores.

This is the same concept as the fact that there are no trash cans in mountains or national parks, and hikers must take their trash back down and dispose of it themselves.

There are a few people who do not follow this Korean public morality, such as children and the poor, who have not been educated. However, the rule of waste disposal in public areas is generally well-maintained.

Basically, the cost of waste disposal is too high in this small country like South Korea.