More waste sorting in Korea: Will it help?

What happened: South Korea began voluntary separation of paper beverage cartons from other recyclable paper on Oct. 1. It becomes mandatory Jan. 1 at apartment complexes with 300 or more households. Key numbers: About 144,000 buildings covered. Fines up to 300,000 won ($220). Why it matters: Critics question whether the policy will raise recycling rates, citing a similar 2020 transparent PET bottle rule that struggled to take hold. Experts say consistent collection infrastructure and publicity are needed.

South Korea began voluntary separation of paper beverage cartons from other recyclable paper on Oct. 1. It becomes mandatory Jan. 1 at apartment complexes with 300 or more households.

Critics question whether the policy will raise recycling rates, citing a similar 2020 transparent PET bottle rule that struggled to take hold. Experts say consistent collection infrastructure and publicity are needed.