Funeral Hall Operations Shift to Reusable Dishware at Samsung Medical Center

By Chloe Lee

Samsung Medical Center implemented noticeable changes in its funeral hall operations. The funeral hall appeared quieter and more orderly, largely due to the removal of non-biodegradable single-use plastics that had previously been common in the facility. Items such as paper plates and disposable cups were no longer used. Instead, the hall implemented reusable bowls and cups, marking a shift toward more sustainable operations.

The workers at the funeral home experienced positive changes in their day-to-day activities as a consequence of this new policy. Yoon, who has worked as a funeral assistant for 15 years, mentioned that the use of reusable items brought about a drastic decrease in the daily waste that had to be managed. Before, one group of visitors was capable of producing a lot of waste that would have to be disposed of but, with the use of reusable dishware, there was a decrease in both the number and amount of trash collecting, thereby making waste management easier.

The change was also noticed by the visitors. A mourner from Changwon mentioned the use of reusable bowls that were indicating the understanding of the new system. The lessening of the use of disposables helped in creating a more orderly space especially in the areas for food that used to generate a lot of waste.

The move to eliminate plastics that can only be used once has signified a vital operational decision, which on the one hand, has aligned the funeral hall with the ever-changing environmental standards and on the other hand, has positively influenced the reputation of the funeral services. The reduction of disposable items not only supported waste minimization but also kept resource management more efficient through the combined use of resources. Reusable dishware was cleaned and sanitized through established procedures in specialized facilities, thus eliminating the previous concerns regarding hygiene and workflow.

This practice testified that the integration of environmentally friendly practices into funeral operations was possible without main service disruption. The gradually increasing number of funeral halls adopting similar systems not only showed how institutional settings could clear away plastic waste by merely changing procedures but also how the transition could be achieved through simplicity.

Sources:

“병원 장례식장서 일회용품 없애자, 3년 간 쓰레기 522T 줄었다.” 병원 장례식장서 일회용품 없애자, 3년 간 쓰레기 522t 줄었다, n.news.naver.com/article/023/0003945292. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.