BinSum

All items · Home and everyday things

How to throw away artificial Christmas tree in Korea

크리스마스 트리keuriseumaseu teuri

Short answer: General waste bag (종량제 봉투); if it is too big for a bag, large waste (sticker) (rules vary by district).

Where it goes

General waste bag종량제 봉투

Or: Large waste (sticker) 대형폐기물 — see the steps below.

  1. Take off the lights and decorations first.
  2. Small trees and parts that fit: general waste bag.
  3. Big trees that do not fit a bag: register them as large waste with your district.

No official list names Christmas trees. An artificial tree is mixed-material plastic: Seoul’s standard puts mixed-material plastic toys and stationery in the general waste bag and large plastic products such as strollers and suitcases in large waste, and Korean news guides give the same advice for trees. Fairy lights are not covered — ask your district.

Check your district. This item is handled differently in some cities and districts. Your building notice or district office website has the final word.

About this bin

General waste goes in an official volume-based bag (종량제 봉투), bought at convenience stores and marts. Bags only work in the district they are sold for. Read the full guide →

Ask in Korean

Show this to the building manager or a neighbour: 이거 어디에 버려요? — “Where do I throw this away?”

Sources

Last checked October 21, 2026. Rules can differ by district.

Rules in your city

Collection days, times and large-waste booking differ by city and district.

Also in general waste

More: home and everyday things