Evolution of Air Pollutant Emission Standards in South Korea’s Municipal Waste Incineration Facilities : A Focus on Particulate Matter

South Korea's large-scale municipal waste incineration facilities have played a vital role since their introduction in the mid-1980s, particularly amidst rapid economic growth and urbanization. Initially designed to focus on waste volume reduction, these facilities soon became a source of concern for environmental and public health due to emissions of air pollutants, including dioxins, heavy metals, and particulate matter(PM). Particulate matter, especially PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, is a critical pollutant with severe health impacts, prompting the strengthening of emission regulations for incineration facilities.

This study investigates the evolution of air pollutant emission standards in South Korea, with a specific focus on particulate matter, through a chronological comparison with those of the European Union (EU). By analyzing major policy developments from the mid-1980s to the present, the study highlights South Korea's progress in adopting international standards and identifies key areas for improvement in future air quality policies.

The findings reveal that South Korea introduced dioxin emission standards (5ng-TEQ/m³) in the 1990s and significantly strengthened regulations in the 2000s under the influence of EU directives, reducing dioxin concentrations to 0.1ng-TEQ/m³. Standards for heavy metals and particulate matter emissions were established, alongside enhanced monitoring systems. Specifically, regulations for particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) have been increasingly stringent, with ongoing efforts to reduce emissions in areas surrounding incineration facilities. Meanwhile, the EU has implemented stringent standards through Best Available Techniques (BAT), carbon neutrality, and greenhouse gas reduction policies. South Korea is aligning with these trends by enhancing regulations to improve air quality and adopting localized strategies for particulate matter management.

This study confirms that South Korea's emission standards for incineration facilities have reached levels comparable to those of the EU. It emphasizes the need for tailored policies that account for local characteristics and technological constraints, particularly concerning particulate matter. These findings offer practical insights for reducing air pollution and achieving carbon neutrality both nationally and globally.

 

[Acknowledgment] This research was supported by Particulate Matter Management Specialized Graduate Program through the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute(KEITI) funded by the Ministry of Environment(MOE)