Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal in Japan is highly structured and varies by municipality. While the system may seem complex at first, understanding the categories and local rules will help you avoid problems and quickly adapt to daily life.
1. Burnable Trash（可燃ごみ / もえるごみ）
This category covers items that can be safely incinerated.
Common examples:
- Food waste and leftovers
- Used tissues and paper towels
- Soiled paper (greasy paper, food-stained packaging)
- Small wooden items (chopsticks, toothpicks)
- Leather and rubber products
- Small amounts of cloth or fabric
Important rules:
- Food waste should be drained of excess liquid
- Items must fit into designated garbage bags
- Plastic packaging does not usually belong here unless explicitly stated by your city
Burnable trash is typically collected one to two times per week.
2. Non-Burnable Trash（不燃ごみ）
Items that cannot be incinerated safely fall into this category.
Common examples:
- Glassware (cups, broken glass)
- Ceramics and pottery
- Small metal objects
- Knives and sharp items (must be wrapped and labeled)
Important rules: Broken items should be wrapped in paper and labeled as “危険” (dangerous). Collection is usually once or twice a month.
3. Plastic Packaging (プラスチック / プラごみ)
This is one of the most misunderstood categories for newcomers.
What counts as “plastic packaging”:
- Food containers and trays
- Plastic wrapping and bags
- Bottle caps and labels
- Shampoo and detergent containers (rinsed)
Key identifier: Look for the プラ (PLA) recycling symbol on the item.
Rules:
- Must be rinsed and clean
- Non-packaging plastic items (toys, hangers) often go into burnable or non-burnable trash depending on the city
Collection is usually once a week.
4. PET Bottles（ペットボトル）
PET bottles are handled separately from other plastics.
Includes:
- Drink bottles for water, tea, soda
Preparation rules:
- Empty the bottle
- Rinse thoroughly
- Remove the cap and label (these go into plastic packaging)
PET bottles are often collected weekly at designated stations.
5. Cans and Metal Containers（缶）
This category includes metal drink containers.
Examples:
- Aluminum and steel drink cans
- Metal food cans
Rules:
- Must be emptied and rinsed
- Some cities require aluminum and steel cans to be separated
Collected weekly or biweekly.
6. Glass Bottles（びん）
Handled separately from cans.
Examples:
- Beverage bottles
- Food jars
Rules:
- Rinse clean
- Remove caps (metal caps go with cans; plastic caps go with plastic packaging)
- Sometimes separated by color (clear, brown, other)
7. Paper Recycling（紙類）
Paper is divided into several subcategories.
Cardboard（段ボール）
- Shipping boxes
- Must be flattened and tied with string
Mixed Paper（雑紙）
- Envelopes
- Flyers
- Paper bags
Magazines and Newspapers
- Magazines, catalogs, newspapers
- Should be stacked and tied
Cartons and Tetra Packs（紙パック）
- Milk and juice cartons
- Must be rinsed, cut open, and dried
- Often collected separately
Paper recycling is usually collected once or twice a month.
8. Oversized Garbage（粗大ごみ / Sodai Gomi）
Large items cannot be thrown out with regular trash.
Examples:
- Furniture
- Bicycles
- Large appliances (rules differ for electronics)
How it works:
- Reserve pickup with your city
- Purchase disposal stickers at your city or ward office, designated municipal service centres, or convenience stores (kombini).
- Attach sticker and place item outside on the assigned day
Fees vary depending on size and item type.
9. Garbage Bags and Local Rules
Garbage rules are set by each city or ward, not nationally.
Common variations include:
- Mandatory use of designated garbage bags
- Bag prices including disposal fees
- Different sorting categories and collection schedules
Always check:
- Your city hall website
- A printed guide from your ward office
- Instructions provided by your landlord or building management
Many cities offer guides in English, Chinese, and Korean.
10. Apartment-Specific Rules
Apartment buildings often have:
- Locked garbage rooms
- Additional sorting requirements
- Fixed disposal hours
Building rules must be followed even if they differ slightly from city guidelines.
Advice for Foreign Residents
Garbage disposal in Japan reflects community responsibility. Following the rules helps avoid complaints, fines, or uncollected trash — and shows respect for your neighbours.
When you move in, ask for:
- A garbage calendar
- An English sorting guide
- Confirmation of designated trash areas
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