Seoul clinics found violating medical waste regulations

An investigation by the Seoul Metropolitan Government has revealed that 25 plastic surgery and dermatology clinics in Seoul violated medical waste management regulations. The city’s special judicial police inspected 120 sites, including 112 medical clinics and eight waste transport companies, between January 2025 and July 2026.

Investigators uncovered 36 specific violations. In two notable instances, human fat and blood from liposuction and other cosmetic procedures were illegally dumped into sinks and toilets. Other violations included discarding medical waste in ordinary household trash bins and improper storage practices. Some clinics mixed human tissue with general medical waste or stored it at room temperature rather than the required 4 degrees Celsius or below. Additionally, some facilities held medical waste for three to six months beyond the legal limit.

Authorities stated that improper handling of human tissue increases the risk of infection and odors due to rapid decomposition. In August, investigators referred 25 individuals to prosecutors with recommendations for indictment. Under local regulations, violating medical waste disposal standards can result in up to two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won.