Seoul, Korea, 12th March 2025
Transforming cities through smart waste collection
Envac’s automated waste collection system (AWCS) has been integrated into some of the country’s most ambitious urban developments, eliminating traditional waste collection trucks and reducing carbon emissions. Five of the company’s most significant projects include:
- Sejong City development – The world’s largest AWCS, spanning 72 km² and serving a projected population of 500,000, providing an efficient, city-wide waste management solution.
- The H Firstier I Park (Gaepo, Seoul) – A 6,702-unit high-profile redevelopment project incorporating the latest AWCS technology.
- Haeundae LCT (Busan) – A landmark high-rise development in South Korea’s second-largest city, integrating smart waste solutions.
- Songdo International City (districts 6 & 8) – A globally recognised smart city where Envac’s system serves 27,945 households, demonstrating its role in sustainable urban infrastructure.
- Gwacheon Xi (Gwacheon City) – A 2,099-household premium residential development completed in 2021, setting new standards for modern waste collection.
These projects highlight Envac’s mission to boost urban environments by improving hygiene, reducing waste-related emissions, and establishing waste collection as a core element of city infrastructure.
Shaping South Korea’s smart and sustainable cities
Envac introduced automated waste collection as a radical alternative to conventional waste disposal, which had remained largely unchanged for decades. Today, AWCS is regarded as a key infrastructure component in major government-led housing developments and large-scale urban redevelopments in South Korea.
“When we first introduced AWCS, it was a completely new concept for the Korean market. By successfully demonstrating its benefits, we have helped transform the approach to waste management, not only in new city districts but also in large-scale apartment redevelopment projects,” says Jinho Jung, Director, Envac Korea.
As South Korea transitions towards greener, smarter urban development, Envac Korea has played a pivotal role by replacing conventional truck-based waste collection with underground pipe networks, reducing emissions and improving efficiency.
“Our success has been driven by our ability to anticipate and respond to evolving policies and sustainability goals. For example, we developed food waste inlets with weight-based pricing Pay As You Throw (PAYT), which is in line with government regulations, allowing for more efficient and fair waste management,” adds Jo Kyung Il, Project Manager, Envac Korea.
Overcoming challenges and innovating for the future
The evolution of waste management in Korea has not been without challenges, particularly as government policies and consumer expectations continue to change. Envac Korea has met these challenges head-on by continuously developing new technologies, including PAYT-enabled inlets and the next generation of home-integrated food waste solutions.
“Looking ahead, our focus is on proactive innovation rather than reactive solutions. The rapid adoption of home-based food waste systems presents an opportunity for further advancement, and we are investing in R&D to develop the next wave of waste collection technologies,” says Sehyuk Hyun, Director, Envac Korea.
Envac Korea is committed to expanding its influence over the next decade by improving user experience, developing advanced waste inlet designs, and strengthening its position as a leader in smart waste management. Through continuous market analysis and innovation, the company aims to ensure that automated waste collection remains a core pillar of urban sustainability.
As Envac Korea marks its 30-year milestone, the company reaffirms its dedication to delivering smarter, cleaner, and more efficient waste management solutions, shaping the future of cities across South Korea and beyond.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Sooho Park
General Manager
soolake@envac.co.kr
