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How to Dispose of Garbage & Recycling in Japan

How to Dispose of Garbage & Recycling in Japan

Japan’s waste-separation rules are famously strict—and for good reason. They reflect a national commitment to resource efficiency, limited landfill space, and local community cleanliness. For foreign residents this system can seem baffling at first. Once you understand the fundamentals and the local quirks, disposing of garbage becomes simple and stress-free. This guide walks you through the categories, schedules, fees, and common pitfalls in 2025.

1) Waste Categories and Why They Matter

Municipalities divide waste into multiple categories to maximise recycling and minimise landfill. Although each city has its own list, most follow the pattern below:

Burnable Garbage (燃やせるごみ / 可燃ごみ)

  • Food scraps
  • Paper waste (soiled)
  • Small leather or rubber items
  • Small amounts of dirty plastic

Collected typically 1–3 times a week. Missing the slot often means your waste will be left behind until next collection.

Non-Burnable Garbage (燃やせないごみ / 不燃ごみ)

  • Metal pieces
  • Glass and ceramics
  • Small household electronics (e.g., calculators, handheld toys)

Usually collected once or twice a month. Important: mis-sorting may result in the bag being returned with a sticker saying “出し直し” (please re-present).

Plastic Packaging (プラ / プラスチック容器包装)

Look for the “プラ” mark. Includes items such as:

  • Food trays
  • Plastic wrapping
  • Yoghurt tubs
  • Shampoo refill pouches

Must be rinsed before placing in the correct bag. Unrinsed items are often rejected.

PET Bottles (ペットボトル)

  • Remove cap and label
  • Rinse inside
  • Place in transparent bags or dedicated collection boxes

Many foreign residents mistake PET bottles for ordinary plastic—they are distinct and must be sorted separately.

Glass Bottles & Cans (びん・かん)

  • Beer bottles (回収ラベル may apply in some cities)
  • Aluminium cans
  • Glass jars (with lids removed)

Collected every 1–2 weeks. In some wards, sorted by colour of glass (clear, brown, green).

Paper Recycling (古紙 / 資源ごみ)

  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Paper cartons (washed & dried)

Must be flattened and tied with string or placed in a designated box. Failure to tie bundles may cause rejection.

2) Oversized Waste (粗大ごみ) – What You Should Know

Furniture and large items do not follow the normal collection schedule. They require separate booking and payment. Skipping the correct process often results in items being left uncollected or fined.

  • Sofas, desks, shelves
  • Large appliances (fans, microwaves)
  • Mattresses
  • Large carpets or rugs

Steps to follow:

  • Check your ward’s “sodai gomi” website for acceptable items and fees.
  • Book a collection slot online or by phone.
  • Buy the required sodai gomi sticker at a convenience store.
  • Attach the sticker clearly and place the item outside on the scheduled date.

Fees usually range between ¥300 and ¥2,000 depending on item size and weight. Note: leaving oversized items without sticker can lead to removal at your expense.

3) Garbage Bags & Your Building’s Rules

Every municipality mandates specific waste-bag types—or colours—to encourage correct sorting. Using the wrong bag often leads to non-collection.

Examples:

  • Tokyo (23 wards): Clear or semi-transparent bags often permitted.
  • Osaka city: Official bags with municipal logo required.
  • Kyoto: Yellow or red official bags.
  • Okinawa: Colour varies by municipality, sometimes blue or green.

Tip: Buy bags at supermarkets or convenience stores. If your building does not accept generic bags, you may need to purchase official ones. Also check your building’s rules—some require use of a locked garbage room after 8 pm.

4) Collection Schedules – Timing Is Everything

Setting the correct schedule ensures your building’s garbage area remains tidy and that your bags are collected promptly.

Typical collection frequencies:

  • Burnable: 2–3 times per week
  • Plastic packaging: once per week
  • Cans/bottles: every 1–2 weeks
  • Non-burnable: 1–2 times per month
  • Paper bundles: 1–2 times per month

Most wards require you to place garbage between specific hours (often between 6–8 AM). Leaving bags out the night before increases risk of animal damage or fines.

5) Practical Tips to Avoid Mistakes

Doing a few extra checks will save you time, money, and headaches.

  • Rinse items lightly before recycling: You don’t need perfect cleaning—just remove visible residue. Unrinsed plastic or PET bottles are often returned.
  • Never mix PET bottles with “プラ” plastics: They are separate categories. Mistaking them is one of the most common foreign-resident errors.
  • Flatten cardboard completely: Break down boxes, remove tape if possible, and tie them with string. This reduces space and meets collector requirements.
  • Do not leave bags out the night before collection: Crows, cats or raccoons may tear them open; repeated offenses can trigger fines from the ward office.
  • Check your building’s specific rules: Some apartment complexes require bag disposal only inside locked areas or prohibit putting recyclables in plastic bags—violating these can lead to warnings.
  • Refer to the official English waste guide: Major cities publish English versions of disposal rules—grab one to clarify local details quickly.

6) Special Items That Need Extra Steps

Certain waste items fall under separate legal frameworks—and you must follow those to avoid penalties.

Home Appliances (家電リサイクル法対象品)

  • TVs
  • Air-conditioners
  • Washing machines
  • Refrigerators / freezers

These are covered under the Home Appliance Recycling Law. You must either return them to the retailer, use the municipal collection point, or hire an authorised collector. Expect fees in the range of ¥2,000–¥7,000 depending on size.

Batteries & Lightbulbs

  • Disposable and rechargeable batteries cannot go into regular trash—most convenience stores or electronics shops offer drop-off boxes.
  • Fluorescent lamps and certain lightbulbs must be taken to designated collection points—check your city hall for details.

7) Consequences of Not Following the Rules

Failure to comply can lead to several consequences, not just a messy bag.

  • Your garbage may be left behind with a warning sticker explaining the error.
  • Your building manager may contact you directly for repeated infractions.
  • Persistent violations could result in fines or even cleaning bills charged to your unit.

By following the rules, you avoid friction with neighbours and build a stronger relationship with your community.

8) Official Sources

9) Related Reading

How to Rent an Apartment in Japan (2025 Guide)
Health Insurance in Japan (2025 Guide)
How the Japanese Pension System Works (2025 Guide)

Note: Waste-separation rules vary by city and by building. Always check your local ward office or property manager for the latest schedule and categories.

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