A Complete Guide to Japan’s Complex Garbage Disposal System

If it's your first time in Japan as an intern and you buy your first snack at a convenience store, you may experience Japan's complex garbage system firsthand. After finishing your snack, you might spend an hour searching for a garbage can to dispose of your trash Japan's trash disposal rules can be confusing at first. Finally, you spot a hidden bin away in the corner, but as you approach, you're confronted with five different bins—each meant for specific types of waste. Which one do you choose ? Understanding Japan's waste sorting system is key to knowing where your trash belongs.

Time to Separate

When you move to Japan, you'll quickly realize that Japan's garbage disposal system requires attention to detail. To navigate it, you will need to your town's gomi guide (gomi is the Japanese word for garbage). This guide outlines the specific waste disposal rules in Japan for your area, as Japan has strict waste management and recycling regulations . Each area has a different set of rules, so make sure you familiarize yourself with your local guide. Typically, these are the five main types of garbage that need to be separated according to Japan's recycling guide :

Combustibles : food waste, old clothes, yard waste, etc.
Non-combustibles : plastic wrappers, ceramics, metal containers, etc.
Recyclables : plastic and glass bottles, metal cans, magazines, etc.
PET bottles : these are separated from other plastic items.
Large items : TVs, air conditioners, furniture, etc. must be disposed of following Japan's large item disposal rules .

Understanding how Japan handles waste and the garbage separation rules in Japan is crucial to adapting to daily life in the country. It may seem daunting at first, but once you get used to it, Japan's effective waste management system becomes second nature.

How to Prepare

When living in Japan, it's important to follow the specific waste disposal rules in Japan . Firstly, you should check with your local ward office to determine which garbage bags should be used. Alternatively, you can go to your nearest convenience store in Japan to obtain the proper bags. For each type of waste, pay close attention to the following Japan garbage separation tips :

Combustibles : Collect all combustible items in the appropriate garbage bag. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before disposal.
Non-combustibles : Place non-combustible items in the designated garbage bag. Clean items with food residue before throwing them away. Following the Japanese non-combustible waste rules helps keep the system efficient.
Recyclables : For bottles and cans, rinse them before disposal. Sorting your recyclables is a key part of the Japan recycling system .
Paper : Sort paper by type, and bundle it with string to make collection easier.
PET Bottles : Remove the plastic wrap and label. These bottles are part of Japan's successful PET bottle recycling process .
Large items : When disposing of large items like electronics or furniture, prepare them for collection by unplugging, removing detachable parts, and making them accessible for the Japan large-item waste collection team .

Where Does It Go?

Approximately 80% of the garbage in Japan is incinerated, while 20% is recycled. A key success story in Japan's waste recycling efforts is the recycling of PET bottles . These bottles are dissolved and filtered at high temperatures, allowing them to be transformed into new bottles, significantly reducing the environmental impact. Next time you're ready to throw away trash in Japan, remember to consult your gomi guide and follow the proper sorting methods. By contributing to the Japanese waste management system , you'll not only avoid spending hours figuring out disposal methods but also help protect the environment.