Seoul has taken a major step in promoting food waste reduction by launching a new household incentive program. Consequently, the initiative encourages residents to cut discarded food and rewards measurable reductions.
On Wednesday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a points-based system to drive behavioral change. Specifically, households using RFID-equipped waste bins, which automatically record disposal volumes, qualify for the program.
Residents who lower their food waste by ten to thirty percent compared with the previous year can earn up to 5,000 points per evaluation period. Furthermore, each point is worth one won and can offset utility bills, taxes, or convert to local gift certificates. In addition, participants receive a one-time 1,000-point bonus per half-year cycle.
Officials limited participation to 1,000 households per period to ensure cost control and accurate monitoring. Moreover, applications for the first enrollment window will run from January 5 to January 23 through the Eco Mileage website.
To guarantee transparency, Seoul developed a verified data system that tracks reductions using RFID disposal records. Therefore, authorities emphasized that this system prevents disputes and builds public trust.
Koreans generate about 95 kilograms of food waste per person annually, which exceeds the global average. As a result, processing costs reached 823 billion won in 2024, and total social and economic losses approach 20 trillion won each year.
Experts also warned that decomposing food releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accounting for roughly eight to ten percent of the country’s emissions. In addition, moisture-heavy waste can damage soil and groundwater. Although officials recycle most waste into feed or compost, high salt content limits its reuse.
Seoul framed the program as a shift from punitive measures to voluntary action. Previously, the government banned landfill disposal, implemented pay-by-volume fees, and replaced sell-by dates with use-by labels to curb unnecessary disposal.
Kwon Min, head of Seoul’s climate and environment department, said, “Reducing food waste is one of the most effective everyday actions citizens can take to cut emissions and costs.”
Looking ahead, officials plan to expand the program if early results demonstrate sustained reductions and fiscal efficiency. Therefore, the initiative positions food waste reduction as both an environmental and economic priority for the city.
