Korea is a good performer in waste management and is now seeking to move further towards a circular economy approach. This chapter examines trends in materials use and waste generation, as well as related policies, objectives, and legal and institutional frameworks. It looks at the instruments Korea uses to encourage waste prevention and reduction and to promote recycling and related markets. It studies the environmental effectiveness of Korea’s waste disposal and management before focusing on food waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and construction waste. The chapter also discusses engagement in international co-operation and outreach.

Environmental justice can include fair treatment in terms of access to natural resources, environmental services and benefits, and environmental risk exposure (distributive justice), accountability and remediation for environmental harm (corrective justice) and access to environmental information, judicial and administrative proceedings and participation in environmental decision making (procedural justice). This chapter looks at the current generation’s access to water supply and sanitation services and to green space and exposure to air pollution, chemicals and other environmental risks. It then considers measures to ensure future generations’ access to a clean environment and natural resources. The chapter examines progress in the environmental liability framework. It also addresses procedural rights and proposes international frameworks that Korea could use to advance in this area.