South Korea Caught Lying About Recycling

South Korea is wrestling with a plastic waste problem. Despite being seen as a recycling leader, its actual numbers tell a different story. Greenpeace estimates that the country recycles just 27% of its plastic waste, a stark contrast to the 73% claimed by the environment ministry.

One glaring issue involves a 19,000-ton pile of plastic waste in Asan that isn’t being handled due to financial struggles. While this mound sits untouched, the broader picture is no better—over 90% of the nation's plastic waste ends up in landfills or incinerators because turning it into something useful simply isn't cost-effective.

The government's handling of regulations also raises eyebrows. Restrictions on single-use plastics have swung back and forth; for instance, rules on straws and bags were relaxed in late 2023 after being tightened the year before.

On the economic front, efforts to convert plastic waste into naphtha, a chemical used in various industries, have sparked concerns. The process, known as pyrolysis, is expensive and potentially worsens carbon emissions.

South Korea is gearing up to host a critical global discussion in Busan, focusing on whether reducing plastic production should be prioritized over just managing waste. It's apparent that South Korea needs stronger, more consistent policies to truly tackle its plastic waste challenge.