South Korea: 5,380 tons of waste landfilled in one month under exception

A controversial exception allowing the direct landfilling of household waste at the 수도권매립지 (Metropolitan Landfill Site) has been in effect for one month, during which a staggering 5,380 tons of waste have been buried. This measure, implemented since March 23, permits direct landfilling during maintenance periods for public incineration facilities. The total waste brought to the site over the past month reached 12,142 tons, with the direct-landfilled portion accounting for a significant 44.31%.

The breakdown by region shows Gyeonggi Province contributing the largest share with 3,688 tons, followed by Seoul with 1,692 tons. Notably, 인천시 (Incheon City), where the landfill is located, did not engage in direct landfilling of household waste during this period. The figures represent 8.12% of Gyeonggi's allowed exception quota and 2.06% of Seoul's, indicating a substantial utilization of this temporary measure.

Furthermore, the overall volume of waste transported to the 수도권매립지 has surged dramatically. In the month following the exception's implementation, the site received approximately 12,142 tons of waste, a fourfold increase compared to February's 2,729 tons. Even excluding the directly landfilled household waste, the influx of non-combustible waste like coal briquette ash has also risen considerably.

This policy shift has drawn sharp criticism from environmental organizations. The 수도권매립지문제해결 범시민운동본부 (Citizens' Movement Headquarters for Solving Metropolitan Landfill Site Issues), comprising civic groups and local residents, condemned the exception as a "clear betrayal of resource circulation policies and a breach of promise to the public." They argue that the allowed exception volume, which is 31% of the average direct landfill volume over the past three years, effectively nullifies the purpose of the landfill ban that began this year. The situation highlights a deep conflict between immediate waste management needs and long-term environmental goals.