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Confused About Food Waste? Here is How to Properly Sort It

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입력 : 2026.07.06 09:22

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Watermelon rinds are food waste, but peach pits are not.

Here is some practical information for your daily life.

During the summer, many of us enjoy fruits like watermelons and peaches.

While they are delicious to eat, it can be confusing to know whether the peels and seeds should be disposed of as food waste or general waste.

We have summarized the guidelines in this report. Let us take a look.

We have often been told that if an animal can eat it, it is food waste.

However, that rule alone is not quite enough.

Even if the item contains edible components, if it is too hard or fibrous and could damage processing facilities, it is classified as general waste.

According to the waste disposal guidelines provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, soft fruit peels such as those from bananas, apples, and tangerines, as well as watermelon rinds, can be disposed of as food waste.

On the other hand, pits from peaches, plums, and apricots must be disposed of in standard general waste bags.

Then, what about the hard skin of a pineapple?

It is classified as general waste.

Tea bags, tea leaves, and coffee grounds are also classified as general waste according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Eggshells, fish bones, and chicken bones should also not be placed in food waste bins.

(Source: Segye Ilbo)