In a recycling factory an hour and a half outside Tokyo, workers rigorously sort through conveyor belts of waste, segregating and classifying materials for recycling until almost nothing is left. The hydraulic diggers on site are electric powered'they don't emit CO2 or fumes from burning diesel' and sprays of rainwater keep dust down and the environment clean. Up to 98% of the industrial waste that comes here is recycled, with only 2% going to landfills or incineration.

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It was once labelled an air polluter, but the operator of this facility, Ishizaka Group, has made a 180 degree turn. Its transition from operating simple waste incinerators to more complex material recycling came in response to public backlash against the ill effects of emissions. CEO Noriko Ishizaka experienced the reaction as a child, when her neighbors in Saitama prefecture protested against the company, then run by her father. Today, Ms. Ishizaka is confident enough in her plant's green credentials that she has opened it to the public, with viewing platforms overlooking the giant processing floor. 10,000 visitors pass through every year.

The factory is just one project within Ishizaka Group's community-centered enterprise. Like many groups tackling the growing problems of our consumer societies, they aim to instill an awareness of waste through place-based environmental education. However, while the factory has very successfully attracted locals and parents looking for educational daytrips, the question remains whether the initiative can generate enough outreach to impact mainstream consumers and manufacturers.

'If you stress activism too much it turns people off'

 Ms. Ishizaka says she wants to make the nation of mono-zukuri ' manufacturing ' as obsessed with how products are disposed as how they are made. Yet with national policies that fail to reflect a climate emergency, discussion on environmental degradation often appears wholly absent at the state level in Japan. 

Beyond the humdrum of government talk, however, local-level initiatives are well and truly alive, albeit driving the conversation on environmental action on a much smaller scale. Dotted around Tokyo, for example, a number of social movement groups have begun the task of initiating low waste lifestyles. Among them is No Plastic Japan, founded by Mona Neuhauss. Neuhauss runs her business of providing stainless straws as an alternative to plastic straws in addition to her full-time job at a PR company.

'If you stress activism too much it turns people off,' said Neuhauss, noting that this explains why environmental movements in Japan tend to be more low-key than their European counterparts. 'I like to call it yurui activism,' she said, which translates loosely into 'soft' activism based on practicing what one preaches'or not preaching at all. The challenge is making people aware, and then encouraging everyday life changes from not using plastic straws to refusing single-use plastic bags, she said.

Japan has one of the lowest recycling rates in the OECD ' and 78% of the remaining waste is incinerated.

Single-use plastics have emerged as a symbol of consumer waste, providing environmental groups with easy ammunition to promote green consciousness. However, Japan can't seem to end its love affair with them. Having come under increasing international criticism for producing 9.1 million tons of plastic waste per annum, the Japanese government has been nudged towards a discussion on plastic bag charges'a policy many other countries jumped on board with over a decade ago.

But the waste problem goes beyond the scale of consumption. With approximately 73% of the Japanese archipelago occupied by mountains, and much of the rest crowded with people, there is little room for landfill, so what cannot be recycled is mostly burned. And recycling is surprisingly rare: Japan has one of the lowest recycling rates among OECD countries, at only 20% in . Some 78% of the remaining waste is sent to incinerators'by far the highest among the OECD bloc.

Without filtering technology, incineration releases a huge quantity of dioxins and CO2 into the atmosphere. In the 90s, this meant that waste-disposing areas like Saitama, a convenient backyard for the Tokyo metropolis, became visibly polluted. This triggered health concerns ' many of the emissions were carcinogenic ' and stigma against local produce. The mounting wave of condemnation compelled some businesses like Ishizaka Group to minimize combustibles and increase recycling.

Local-level, bottom-up solutions are just as necessary as national-level policy approaches.

Today, 'environmentally friendly' incinerator technologies, which use ultra-high-temperature furnaces and filter systems to avoid polluting the atmosphere, have become the de-facto process of waste combustion. Dioxins no longer pose a major threat. Still, all this burning produces exhaust fumes that contribute to climate change, while Japan's reliance on burning its waste fails to put the '3Rs' ' reduce, reuse, recycle ' at the heart of its waste strategy. The out of sight, out of mind attitude enabled by incineration keeps waste invisible and its problems hard to grasp.

It is difficult to gauge whether yurui activism will be enough to popularize the 3Rs among the average consumer, let alone spark the kind of change groups like Fridays for Future ' the global climate change activist movement ' demand from governments. But it is still a necessary approach, and in a society that claims to value consensus and shies away from conflict, yurui activism may be the most appropriate pathway for social change. It may even dodge the attacks of reactionary critics who label uncompromising environmentalists radical or 'extremist'.

According to Ishizaka, consumers in Japan tend to prioritize price over environmental or ethical concerns. In a supply-demand market, this kind of cost-first mentality ' among both consumers and manufacturers ' is central to the production models that create so much of our planet's waste. A cultural shift towards a circular economy therefore requires a community ' one that is mindful of the waste flows in everyday life. That's why local-level, bottom-up solutions are just as necessary as national-level policy ones.

For Ishizaka, that means opening up the factory for visitors to witness what waste disposal really is. 'I want people to come to the factory and make up their own mind ' I don't want to enforce values upon people', she says. Undoubtedly, forging green consciousness among consumers still looks to be a Sisyphean task in Japan. But with the factory doors open and social movement groups gaining momentum, hopes of improving education and awareness around recycling look a bit brighter in a country that is still coming to grips with the scale of its waste problem.

This article was produced based on a series of events organized by Asia Pacific Initiative as part of the 'Reinventing Japan' project. All opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the institutional position of Asia Pacific Initiative.

This piece was based on a presentation followed by discussion by Ms. Noriko Ishizaka, the President of Ishizaka Group.

Lauren Altria

Lauren Altria is a research intern at Asia Pacific Initiative and a Masters student in International Relations at Waseda University. She previously worked as a research associate at The Economist, and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oxford.

• Lauren Altria

  https://www.tokyoreview.net/author/laurenaltria/

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How Do I Separate My Trash? A Guide to Garbage Disposal in Japan

Have you ever felt confused by Japan's garbage disposal system? In this article, you'll learn how to separate your waste, the proper bags to use, and other essential rules. Don't fret. You'll quickly grow accustomed to this sorting system!

Separation and Disposal of Garbage in Japan

Upon moving to Japan, many foreign residents find the garbage disposal system confusing. In other countries, garbage is often classified into three main categories: recyclable, household, and vegetation waste.

However, most cities, towns, and villages across Japan categorize and discard waste in a very particular manner. In addition to burnable trash (i.e. paper scraps), combustibles are further separated into smaller categories, including newspapers, magazines, and plastics. Furthermore, these must each be disposed of on their designated day.

Depending on the city, town, or district, there may be designated bags that residents are required to use for trash.

In other words, the rules for separating and disposing of garbage depend on the local municipality. Many municipal offices provide pamphlets that explain the rules of garbage disposal. They are available in English and Chinese as well.

Whether you refer to this pamphlet or consult someone living in your area, it's best to become familiar with the garbage disposal rules of the area you live in or are visiting.

Garbage Disposal in Japan

1. How to Separate Trash
2. How to Separate Recyclable Garbage
3. About Designated Garbage Bags
4. Where to Drop off Garbage
5. What Are the Days and Times for Garbage Pickup?

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1. How to Separate Trash

While particular garbage separation rules are implemented by each municipality, garbage is divided into four main categories in Japan: burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized.

Main Categories of Garbage Burnable Garbage Kitchen waste, paper scraps, clothing, etc. Non-Burnable Garbage Metal, glass, ceramics and pottery, etc. Recyclable Garbage Plastic bottles, container jars, cans, newspapers, etc. Oversized Garbage Large furniture, etc.

Most household garbage, including kitchen waste and paper scraps, is classified as burnable garbage.

Non-burnable garbage refers to non-recyclable waste, like metal and glass items. A frying pan or glass cup would fall into this category.

Plastic bottles, container jars, and cans are classified as recyclable garbage.

Lastly, oversized garbage includes large furniture and home appliances. According to the Home Appliance Recycling Law, air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines are not collected in local municipalities.

Residents must pay a recycling fee of between 1,000 and 6,000 yen to dispose of their oversized garbage. You can have it collected by shop staff where the item was purchased, or take the item to a designated pick-up location yourself.

Recyclable garbage is further divided into four subcategories. Let's take a look at how recyclable garbage is separated before disposal.

2. How to Separate Recyclable Garbage

In Shinjuku Ward, which has Tokyo's highest population of foreign residents, recyclable garbage is sorted according to the chart below.

Separating Recyclable Garbage in Shinjuku Ward Bottles Glass beverage bottles, glass bottles that contained food, cosmetics, or medicine Cans Beverage cans and food tins (aluminum and steel) Plastic Bottles Plastic beverage bottles, alcohol (sake), mirin, and soy sauce plastic bottles Aerosol Spray Cans Spray cans, gas cartridges, and batteries

*Additional resource: Disposing of Recyclable Garbage in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward (Click on the "Language" icon for English)

Some municipalities categorize clothing and newspapers as recyclables and spray cans as non-burnable garbage.

There are various types of recyclable waste. These items cannot be placed in the same bag, but rather are sorted in separate bags according to their respective category.

If you live in an apartment or condominium, garbage is typically sorted into different baskets as pictured above.

We recommend organizing and separating your bottles and cans beforehand. This will prevent any panic at the pick-up spot on the garbage collection day.

3. What Are Designated Garbage Bags?

When disposing of burnable waste, make sure you use a proper garbage bag.

Designated garbage bags are not required across Tokyo's 23 wards. So a reasonably sturdy plastic bag (transparent or semi-transparent) is sufficient.

Moreover, you can use plastic garbage bags of up to 45 liters. These are available at 100-yen shops and supermarkets. It's also possible to reuse a supermarket shopping bag.

Areas outside of Tokyo's 23 wards, such as Chofu or Machida city, require designated garbage bags (see photo above). They are sold at large retailers and convenience stores. The price differs depending on size but generally ranges from 80 yen to 800 yen for a pack of ten.

Recently, municipalities in the Kansai and Kyushu regions have adopted a policy of using designated garbage bags. Please be aware that your garbage will not be collected unless you use these bags.

4. Where Do I Drop off My Garbage?

There are two ways for disposing of garbage in Japan: a collection spot and door-to-door collection.

Collection spots are mainly found at apartment complexes. These are sometimes found at curbside locations in less densely populated places. Be sure to follow the rules and keep these places clean and tidy.

For door-to-door collection, garbage bags are left on the front steps of houses and single dwelling units. It will later be picked up by the sanitation workers.

5. What Are the Days and Times for Garbage Pickup?

Garbage must be disposed of on the day specified by the municipality in which you live. For example, burnable garbage might be collected on Wednesdays, while non-burnable waste might be collected on Fridays. These pickup days will depend on the area.

Even within the same municipality, there can be differences in the collection days based on the street number or district. Be sure to check the schedule in your neighborhood. Some communities have a garbage collection calendar, so pick one up at the nearest municipal ward office after moving.

For oversized garbage, please contact the Oversized Garbage Reception Center ahead of time. Once the collection date is set, put your garbage outside for pickup.

Many municipalities ask residents to put their garbage out by 8:00 on the pickup date. Other areas request residents to refrain from placing their trash the day before. If this is the case, please cooperate by taking your trash out on the day of pickup.

Become Familiar With the Rules in Your Neighborhood

There are several rules and recommendations regarding garbage disposal in Japan. But there's no need to worry. You'll quickly become familiar with this process.

Some municipalities have created pamphlets and websites in various languages to help foreign residents navigate this somewhat complicated system. So, by all means, please make use of these handy services.

Sorting out your trash will become much easier, and make life in Japan more enjoyable!

FAQ

How do Japanese dispose of garbage?

In Japan, garbage disposal is meticulously organized, with residents required to separate waste into categories like burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and organic waste. Clear plastic bags aid in waste identification, and scheduled collection days ensure proper disposal. Strict recycling rules mandate cleaning and sorting recyclables, while some areas use a pay-per-bag system to reduce waste. Community cleanliness is maintained through practices like "souji" where residents clean areas outside their homes. The system emphasizes recycling, waste sorting, and community participation for environmental sustainability.

What is the problem with waste disposal in Japan?

Waste disposal in Japan faces challenges despite its well-organized system. Limited landfill space, reliance on waste incineration leading to air pollution concerns, issues with plastic waste management, illegal dumping problems, electronic waste challenges, and food waste disposal are key issues. Japan is working on strategies to tackle these problems, focusing on waste reduction, improved recycling practices, and environmental sustainability to address the complex issues associated with waste management in the country.

Why are there no rubbish bins in Japan?

Following the Tokyo subway sarin terrorist attack in , where garbage bins were used to conceal explosives, authorities removed many public trash cans to enhance public safety and security. This event significantly contributed to the reduction of public trash bins in Japan, aligning with the country's emphasis on personal responsibility, efficient waste management, public safety, and environmental consciousness regarding waste disposal and cleanliness.

What happens if you litter in Japan?

Littering in Japan is considered socially unacceptable and can result in penalties such as fines. The country places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and environmental awareness, with strict waste management regulations in place to deter littering. Individuals caught littering may face monetary fines, public condemnation, and even community service as consequences for disregarding cleanliness standards.

What is different about garbage in Japan?

In Japan, waste management practices differ significantly from those in other countries due to several key factors. The country's strict sorting rules mandate precise separation of garbage into categories like burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and organic waste to ensure proper processing. Japan's limited public garbage bins prompt individuals to carry their waste for disposal at home or designated locations, contributing to cleaner public areas. The pay-per-bag system incentivizes waste reduction, and scheduled collection days streamline the disposal process. Additionally, community cleanliness is upheld through cultural norms like "souji," fostering neighborhood tidiness. Robust recycling initiatives for glass, plastic, paper, and metal materials underscore Japan's commitment to environmental sustainability, resource recovery, and community participation in waste management practices.

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All Photos by Pixta