Get Rewarded for Recycling: Bottle Deposits, Nephron and Carbon Neutral Points

All screenshots are public pages captured on 2026-10-26.

Bottles and cans you’d throw out anyway can earn something back. Official criteria only.

Who this is for

• People with soju/beer bottles piling up
• People who often throw out clear PET bottles and cans

1. Empty bottle deposit (soju, beer, soft-drink glass bottles)

Based on the COSMO deposit center and Gov24.

• Deposit: under 190ml 70 won, 190–<400ml 100 won, 400ml–<1L 130 won, 1L+ 350 won
• Deposit products show the amount on the label or cap.
• Where: any retailer selling the same type must refund in full during business hours, wherever you bought it, even if paid by card.
• May be refused: over 30 bottles per person per day (unless bought at that store), or bottles that are broken/dirty or whose deposit status can’t be confirmed
• If refused: report to the deposit refund report center, 1522-0082. If a fine is confirmed, a reward of 10,000–50,000 won is paid (up to 10 per year). Verbal-only reports may not get a reward.

COSMO deposit center page.

2. SuperBin Nephron (clear PET bottles, cans)

Based on SuperBin’s official channel and site.

• Insert clear beverage PET bottles (washed, cap and label removed) and washed beverage cans.
• Enter the phone number to collect points, then insert items.
• 10 points each; 1 point is worth 1 won
• At 2,000+ points, request cash via the SuperBin app or website. Cashing out happens after sign-up/login.
• The app shows nearby machines and whether they’re available.

SuperBin website.

3. Carbon Neutral Points (green living)

• High-quality recyclables: 300 won/kg
• Up to 70,000 won per person per year; join via the website. Only counts at participating companies.

4. Local government programs

• Some cities/districts run their own recycling rewards. Details vary, so check your district office notices.

Common mistakes

• Leaving labels on bottles for Nephron
• Inserting non-beverage containers (detergent etc.)
• Bringing broken bottles
• Only complaining verbally when refused (use the report center)

Checklist

• ☐ Checked deposit mark on label/cap
• ☐ PET washed, label and cap removed
• ☐ Checked nearby Nephron status in the app
• ☐ Checked local reward program notices

Have an old phone too? See our old phone buyback guide.

We also have a $4.99 PDF guide that collects more everyday money-saving tips. Take a look if it’s useful →