Japan is very dedicated to conservation of the environment. For this reason, there are strict rules for taking out your household trash.
Depending on where you live, the rules may differ slightly, but generally garbage is separated into burnable and non-burnable trash. You have to put the correct type of garbage out on the correct day, which is designated by the neighborhood. Burnable trash is usually collected twice a week, while non-burnable is collected once a week.
Also, not just any bag will do. You have to use the designated prefecture or city garbage bag, which is sold at convenience stores or supermarkets. Otherwise, white or clear bags are also acceptable.
If you don't throw your garbage out according to these rules (as troublesome as they may sound), it turns into a problem for your neighbors or your landlord, too.
In Japan, the garbage collectors will simply leave garbage that is not thrown away correctly. This means that your garbage will just remain, leftover, outside causing an unpleasant experience for everyone who has to pass by.
Moving onﾉ Throwing out Large Garbage ("Sodai-gomi")
Tables, chairs, beds and other large items (anything over 30 centimeters) cannot be thrown out as regular trash. When throwing out large trash ("Sodai-gomi" in Japanese) it usually costs a couple of hundred yen, AND you have to make a reservation before hand to have the trash picked up. This can be done over the internet in some areas, so be sure to check out the options in your area! Also, be aware that during "moving season" (February to April in Japan-a time when many people move in order to start new jobs, school, etc.) it can become very crowded, so plan ahead!
Household/Electrical Appliances
Televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, computers, and other household/electrical appliances cannot be thrown away. There is a law in Japan called the Recycling law, in which the company that made the item has to collect it so that it can be recycled appropriately or re-used. This process usually costs a couple of thousand yen. You can find out more by looking at the individual home page of the maker for each household item.
Last but no least, Garbage or Recyclable Resource?
In Japan, people go through much effort to recycle resources. So items such as plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles, and batteries are not considered as garbage, but as recyclable resources. When you need to get rid of these materials, please either separate these from all other garbage when disposing them at the garbage corner of your apartment, or take these items to recycle centers (located at local super markets and co-ops).
Keep in Mind:
Though disposing of large garbage, household/electrical appliances and recyclable resources may seem like a huge bother, you will first be doing your neighbors and the environment a big favor by taking care of this. It will also keep you out of potential troubles with your landlord and neighbors, so please be thoughtful and take extra care with your garbage! |
