Waste sorting in Japan ゴミの分別収集

In Japan, trash is sorted before discarding: categorized waste, meticulous sorting... Here's a practical guide to managing your trash.

Separation of waste

In public places, several bins are generally available, for example, to separate plastic bottles and cans. At home, sorting is also done.

Read: Find a trash can in Tokyo

The Japanese separate waste into three broad categories: combustible (moeru), incombustible (moenai), and recyclable (risaikuru).

• Combustible waste includes paper and organic waste.
• Among the incombustible, you will find leather, broken glass, bottles/spray, plastic food, and containers of chemical products (household products, etc.).
• Finally, cardboard boxes, metal objects, newspapers, and magazines are recyclable.

Read also: Living in a Japanese house

There are also other subcategories: cans (kan), plastic bottles (petto botoru), and glass bottles (bin), which fall under the recycling category.

Bins under surveillance

If you live in Japan, know that your waste is closely monitored! Transparent trash bags of different colors are assigned to each type of trash. Additionally, each neighborhood has a convenient place to store garbage bags, such as near a utility pole on a busy street. The place is indicated by a colored net, under which the residents deposit their garbage cans when the day comes.

And yes, because in addition to all the details listed above, and depending on the city, the collection of the different types of waste is not done on the same day! Do not make a mistake when sorting your waste, because if the collection service or a neighbor notices, your bin will not be shipped! If you are renting a house, with Japan Experience, our Travel Angel will guide you through the steps!