How are fines imposed for waste management law violations?

Fines for waste management law violations are imposed in tiers depending on the type and frequency of violations.

Basically, if the same violation is repeated within 1 year, it is considered a 2nd or 3rd violation, with the fine gradually increasing.

For example, relatively minor violations such as failure to report or failure to keep records are imposed at the level of 500,000 won for the 1st violation, 700,000 won for the 2nd, and 1 million won for the 3rd or more.

On the other hand, cases that affect the environment and safety such as violations of waste treatment standards or transportation/storage standards may be fined from millions of won to a maximum of 10 million won.

In particular, improper treatment of designated waste, exceeding storage periods, leakage/scattering, etc. are subject to relatively high fines.

In addition, fines are not just monetary burdens; depending on the type of violation, they can lead to administrative measures such as business suspension or criminal punishment, so caution is needed.

However, not all violations are handled the same, and fine reductions are possible in the following cases.

Cases of minor violations due to negligence or mistake, cases where the violation was immediately corrected or voluntarily improved, cases where the degree or result of the violation is recognized as relatively minor.

If these reasons are recognized, fines may be reduced by up to one-half.

Conversely, in cases of repeated violations or recognized intentional acts, reductions are limited and may even be aggravated.

Therefore, companies should thoroughly review storage, transportation, and treatment standards under the Waste Management Act and related document management systems in advance.

If a waste management law violation is suspected, it is helpful to take immediate corrective measures and, if necessary, consult with experts to reduce legal risks.