Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Korea Learning 1: SWM Policy, Governance and Financing Structures, and Green Growth

"Exploring the evolution of South Korea's waste management policies and regulations, roles, and responsibilities of central and local government and the private sector in waste management" Rising through the destruction and turmoil left by the Korean War, the city of Seoul has transformed into a global megalopolis in only 50 years. Seoul underwent several phases to overc... view more "Exploring the evolution of South Korea's waste management policies and regulations, roles, and responsibilities of central and local government and the private sector in waste management" Rising through the destruction and turmoil left by the Korean War, the city of Seoul has transformed into a global megalopolis in only 50 years. Seoul underwent several phases to overcome significant urban challenges and become a model smart city full of urban development best practices. Learn about solid waste management in South Korea, through exploring the evolution of waste management policies and regulations, roles and responsibilities of central and local government and the private sector in waste management, and the financing of solid waste management. South Korea’s success in reducing waste generation, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills, and the significant increase in waste recycling, is credited to its robust policy and regulatory framework for waste management, which ensures that adequate finance is available for waste management. Key approaches for treating different types of wastes (residential, industrial, construction and demolition, and hazardous) like Expanded Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Volume-Based Waste Fee (VBWF) are described in this module, with evidence provided on the success of these different approaches for waste treatment, and examples of how the Korean government has used these approaches to manage waste. The Seoul Upcycling Plaza is provided as an example of how recycled materials are being used to create new jobs and sources of income for residents in South Korea. Through this Bite+, you will learn: What is Green Growth? How did Solid Waste Management of Korea evolve through four phases, from an Era of Waste Cleaning to an Era of Waste-Zero? What is the process of collection and financing of Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Korea? The videos are in both English and French Subtitles. view less

Learning Mode:
Bite+
Topics: Integrated Solid Waste Management, Green Growth, Innovation for Green Growth, Fiscal Aspects of Green Growth, Administrative Models for Solid Waste Management, Waste Generation, Waste Collection, Urban Solid Waste Management and Cleaning Services, Waste Management Planning, National Waste Management Plan, Solid Waste Management Policies and Regulation, Solid Waste Management Policy and Regulation, Waste Disposal and Treatment, Circular Economy, Residential Waste, Hazardous Waste Management, Hazardous Wastes, Commercial Waste, Urban Governance and City Systems, Waste Financing, Investment Financing for Waste Management
Regions:
East Asia and Pacific
Keywords:
Solid Waste Management, SWM, South Korea, Korea Learning, Seoul, Waste Recycling, waste treatment, Waste generation, waste management policies and regulations, Zero Waste, Industrial Waste, Residential Waste, Hazardous Waste, Financing Solid Waste Management, Green Growth Policy, Landfill Management
Language:
English, French

Presenter Info

Eun Joo Allison Yi

Senior Environmental Specialist, Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy (ENB) Global Practice, World Bank Eun Joo is the Senior Environmental Specialist in the Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy (ENB) Global Practice of the World Bank, based in Washington DC. Before taking on the current role, she was a program manager of the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund during when she helped build an innovative, implementation-focused trust fund devoted to supporting World Bank staff and clients to design, plan, and implement green growth initiatives, strategies, and investments for eight years. The trust fund’s focus on operational expertise worked to improve economic and resource efficiency, build greater resilience to extreme weather and natural disasters, and increase competitiveness. Prior to joining the World Bank, Eun Joo consulted for the IFC Advisory Services (WBG) on resource efficiency and clean energy. She also has experience in Norway and Russia working on projects related to international science & technology diplomacy, climate, energy, and the environment. Her broad global experience ranges from a Norwegian engineering firm, ISTC working with the US EPA and State Department, and Pfizer Inc. She is a US national and received her undergraduate from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and her graduate degree from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. She received three SD VPU awards as a part team for Urban Growth Scenarios Modelling for Jordan, Enhanced Regional Cooperation and New Tech for Thriving Fisheries, and Innovation to Boost Fisheries Benefits in West Africa. Eun Joo has contributed to a range of publications, most recently on the potential implications of resource scarcity and climate change on conflict, migration, and trade in 2025 and Korea’s Green Growth 2.0.

Keeyoung Yoo

Vice President, The Seoul Institute Mr. Keeyoung Yoo is the Vice President of the Seoul Institute. His research activities cover setting comprehensive waste management plans and establishing basic plans on various infrastructures including transfer stations, MRFs, WTE facilities, and landfills. As a researcher, Mr. Yoo has made various presentations on the research outcomes in annual international academic meetings and recently joined the Knowledge Sharing Program for officials and specialists from developing nations. Mr. Yoo obtained a Ph.D. in Municipal Waste Management and Treatment from the University of Seoul in 1996.

Presenter Resources

1. Document :

Case Study - Green Growth Recovery in South Korea

2. Document :

Korea Knowledge Exchange Sector Guidebook