A Foreigner's Guide to Japan Garbage Sorting: Essential Rules

Have you ever had trouble figuring out how to dispose of your garbage? A survey conducted by YOLO JAPAN revealed that many non-Japanese residents have encountered difficulties to sort their garbage.
So, we will explain about Japan's unique garbage disposal system.

 

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■Types of Garbage

There are four main categories of garbage in Japan.
※How garbage are divided may vary depending on the region.

・Combustible garbage

Burnable items such as paper, food scraps, and clothing.

・Non-combustible garbage

Non-burnanble items like frying pans and glass cups.

・Recyclable garbage

Recyclable items, for example, plastic bottles and cans.

・Oversized garbage

Large-sized garbage like bicycles and house appliances.

■Garbage Disposal Rules

Garbage disposal rules can vary by area or apartment complex. 
Let's learn about the basic rules!

・Garbage bags

Here are 3 general rules about garbarge bags in Japan.
①Specific kind of garbage bags are required.
These garbage bags can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores.
②Specific kind of garbage bags are not required, but there are rules regarding the bags.
e.g.) the bags must be translucent (opaque bags are not allowed) or white (black bags are not allowed).
③There are no specific requirements or rules for garbage bags.

・Disposal Locations

Below are 2 common places to dispose a garbage.
①The garbage disposal area near the house
②In front of the house

・Garbage Collection Schedule

Garbage collection days and times often vary depending on the type of garbage. In some areas, there are garbage collection calendars like the one below, please check with your city hall office or website.


《Osaka City Initiatives》
Osaka City, home to YOLO JAPAN, has a convenient app that provides information on garbage collection schedule and recycling guidelines.
They have also prepared a collection of QR codes to assist foreign residents in their daily lives.
If you live in Osaka City, you should try this! ✨

【QR Code Collection for Foreign Residents (Printable)】
・Japanese
・English
・Chinese
・Vietnamese
・Nepali

■Summary
Japan has a complex system of garbage sorting rules.
Rules vary from place to place, so it's important to check the specific regulations for your area.

Let's make sure to properly dispose of our garbage no matter where we are!
If there are no garbage bin around,  it's proper etiquette to take your garbage with you. 

Let's work together to keep Japan clean by following the garbage disposal rules!♡

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