Garbage Collection Rules in Japan that Foreigners Should Know

For foreigners who are just starting to live in Japan, the rules for garbage collection may seem quite complicated.
This article introduces basic Japanese rules for garbage collection and things to be aware of.

Types of Garbage in Japan

In Japan, there are these types of garbage from homes.

• Burnable Garbage
• Non-burnable Garbage
• Recyclable Garbage
• Oversized Garbage

The method of garbage disposal differs depending on the local government where you live.
You can refer to your local government's website for more information.

燃えるごみ  Burnable Garbage

Burnable garbage is trash such as food, paper products, etc, that must be processed by burning.
Sometimes referred to as "burnable garbage," "combustible garbage," or " normal garbage.
 
[Example]

• Vegetable scraps and leftovers
• Tissue paper
• Paper plates and cups
  etc.

When disposing of food, please drain well before discarding.

燃えないごみ　Non-burnable Garbage

Non-burnable garbage is trash made of materials that cannot be processed by burning. It is sometimes referred to as "unburnable garbage".

[Example]

• Glassware (e.g., glass dishes and bottles that cannot be cleaned)
• Metal products (spray cans, umbrellas, etc.)
• Ceramics (tableware, etc.)
  etc.

Non-burnable trash may have to be disposed of as either recyclable or oversize garbage.
Confirm the rules and regulations of the area in which you live.

資源ごみ　Recyclable garbage

Recyclable garbage is basically garbage that can be recycled.

[Example]

• PET bottle (clear plastic beverage bottle)
• Aluminum or steel cans
• Books and Magazines
• Cardboard boxes
  etc.

These will be collected and recycled to be used again as resources.

粗大ごみ　Oversized Garbage

Oversized garbage is large garbage that cannot be disposed of as regular garbage.

[Example]

• Furniture (sofas, beds, etc.)
• Cooking utensils (pots and pans)
• bicycle
• umbrella
  etc.

When disposing of oversized garbage, you are required to follow some prior procedures.

[Example]
1 Apply in advance via the municipal government's website.
2 Pay the fees (in some cases, you can buy a seal for the amount at a convenience store, etc.).
3 Dispose the garbage on the designated day.

NOTE: Application process depends on where you live.

How do I dispose of appliances?

Electronic and electrical equipment used in the house are called home appliances.
Among them, air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines are not disposed of as garbage.
 
You must submit a request to an electronics store for collection or take them to designated locations.
For more information, please check the local government website or ask the electric store staff when you buy a new one.
 
Source: 家電４品目の「正しい処分」早わかり！｜家電リサイクル法（特定家庭用機器再商品化法）｜経済産業省 

Follow the rules for garbage disposal

Rules for garbage disposal in Japan vary depending on the local government, but there are three important common points.

Respect the time and day of the week

Dispose of garbage on the designated days of the week and at the designated times.
(Some apartments and condominiums have a 24-hour garbage disposal area.)
By following these rules, you will ensure that the area where you put out your garbage is always clean and tidy.

Dispose of garbage in designated areas

When disposing of garbage, always use the designated garbage disposal area.
Apartments and condominiums are provided with a garbage disposal area. If you live in a house, take out your garbage in front of your house or at a designated place.
Garbage will not be collected unless it is disposed of in the designated area.
Also, following the rules will make the garbage disposal area and the streets dirty and may cause neighborhood problems.

Sort garbage appropriately according to the rules

Garbage that is not properly sorted will not be collected.
Also, sorting garbage has a positive impact on reducing the amount of garbage to be disposed of.

If you don't follow the garbage disposal rules

If you do not follow the rules for garbage disposal, your garbage will not be collected.
If uncollected garbage is left behind, you may be warned by the apartment or condominium manager or the local government.

Lastly

Japanese garbage sorting rules may be a somewhat complicated.
However, following these rules will help you keep the city clean.
Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly to recycle by properly disposing your garbage.
 
Garbage disposal methods and rules differ from each local government.
If you are unsure of the rules for garbage disposal, check your local government's Web site.