No, burning trash in South Korea is illegal under the Waste Management Act and Clean Air Conservation Act, with enforcement by the Ministry of Environment and local authorities. Violations risk fines up to ₩3 million or criminal charges. Exceptions exist for agricultural or emergency waste burning, but strict permits are required.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in South Korea
- Waste Management Act (제49조): Prohibits open burning of general waste, including household trash, without municipal authorization. Local governments (e.g., Seoul Metropolitan Government) enforce this via fines and confiscation.
- Clean Air Conservation Act (제16조): Bans outdoor burning of combustible waste to curb fine dust (PM2.5) emissions. Violators face penalties under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (2023 amendments).
- Agricultural Waste Exception: Farmers may burn crop residues under permits from the Rural Development Administration, but only during designated seasons and with emission controls.
Local ordinances (e.g., Seoul Metropolitan Ordinance on Environmental Preservation) further restrict burning, including penalties for burning treated wood or plastic. The 2026 revision to the Waste Management Act will tighten enforcement, introducing real-time surveillance and stricter permit denials for repeat offenders. Non-compliance may also trigger liability under the Act on the Prevention of Environmental Crimes.