The Beginner’s Guide to Garbage Disposal in Japan: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Japan incinerates 70% of its household waste, and only 20% ends up in landfills directly.

Garbage disposal became one of my biggest daily challenges after moving to Japan. Japanese waste management follows a meticulous system that requires residents to sort their waste into specific categories – burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and organic waste. This sorting isn’t optional – it’s mandated by law.

The consequences are serious. Your actions can lead to both legal penalties and social backlash if you don’t follow these rules. Incorrect disposal of garbage might result in warnings or requests to take your waste back home. Japan faces a critical situation as its remaining landfill space could reach capacity in just 20 years, which makes proper waste separation crucial.

This detailed piece will help you direct through Japan’s complex garbage separation system, whether you’re a newcomer or still figuring out what counts as burnable waste. You’ll learn about different waste categories and common mistakes that could create issues with your neighbors or landlord.

Understanding Japan’s Garbage Categories

Japan has one of the best garbage disposal systems in the world. Most Western countries use simple recycling and trash categories. Japanese residents must sort their waste with precision through a complex but effective classification system.

Burnable vs Non-burnable vs Recyclable vs Oversized

My first time dealing with Japanese garbage categories left me really confused. Most cities divide waste into at least four main categories, and many local areas have even more subcategories.

Burnable garbage (燃えるゴミ – moeru gomi) includes organic materials and items that can safely burn in incinerators. These items include:

• Food waste and kitchen scraps
• Paper products that can’t be recycled
• Certain plastics (based on local rules)
• Natural textiles and small wood items

Non-burnable garbage (燃えないゴミ – moenai gomi) has items that don’t burn safely in incinerators or create harmful emissions. You’ll find these items here:

• Small metal objects
• Ceramics and glass products
• Certain types of plastics
• Light bulbs (except fluorescent tubes)

Recyclables (資源ごみ – shigen gomi) need specific preparation and sorting into subcategories:

• PET bottles (caps and labels must come off)
• Glass bottles (sorted by color)
• Aluminum and steel cans (clean before disposal)
• Paper and cardboard (bundle these separately)
• Plastic containers with the プラ (pura) recycling symbol

Oversized garbage (粗大ゴミ – sodai gomi) means anything bigger than 30cm in any dimension. This needs special handling and includes:

• Furniture and large appliances
• Bicycles and sports equipment
• Large tools and equipment
• Bulky household items

Local rules can change substantially between areas. I had to check my ward office’s sorting guidelines many times in my first few months. Each municipality has its own standards.

Why sorting matters legally and socially

Japanese waste separation goes beyond environmental concerns. The system is deeply rooted in legal structures and social norms.

The Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law governs Japan’s waste management. This law makes both cities and citizens responsible to follow waste separation guidelines. Breaking these rules can lead to:

• Collection services refusing your garbage
• Local authorities sending warnings
• Fines for serious or repeated mistakes
• Making you fix wrongly sorted waste

Social pressure works better than legal consequences. Your neighbors will know if you sort incorrectly because apartment buildings’ garbage areas are open to everyone. Building managers and neighborhood groups watch waste disposal closely.

One day, I put plastic packaging in the burnable garbage bag by mistake. Someone returned my garbage bag to my doorstep the next day with a polite note about my error. This taught me that garbage disposal works as both an environmental system and a social agreement in Japan.

This careful sorting system works well. Japan recycles more than 20% of most materials, with PET bottle recycling being particularly successful. The country’s waste-to-energy plants turn much burnable waste into electricity, which reduces landfill use.

The sorting system makes people think about their consumption habits. Sorting every item you throw away helps you notice packaging and waste creation more. Japanese people create less waste per person than other developed countries because of this awareness.

Learning these categories helps you manage waste better in Japan. The system might seem tough at first, but becoming skilled at it helps you fit into Japanese society.

Burnable Garbage in Japan: What You Can and Can’t Throw

Burnable garbage makes up the biggest part of household waste in most Japanese cities. You need to know what goes into those distinctive semi-transparent bags. The first time I sorted my trash in Japan, I was amazed to see how many everyday items counted as burnable waste.

Common burnable items

Japanese waste management’s burnable garbage (moeru gomi) has sections for many types of household waste:

• Kitchen waste: Food scraps, vegetable peels, meat bones, used cooking oil (solidified or absorbed in paper), and tea bags
• Paper products: Tissues, paper towels, receipts, photographs, and paper packages with plastic coatings
• Certain plastics: Plastic items without the recycling symbol, dirty plastic containers that can’t be cleaned
• Fabrics and leather: Small clothing items, worn-out shoes, bags, and leather goods
• Other household items: Rubber products, disposable diapers (with solid waste removed), cosmetic cotton, and small wooden items

The burnable category doesn’t accept all items though. You can’t throw in highly flammable materials like gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, and batteries. Items that could harm incinerators such as soil, sand, and construction materials don’t belong in burnable trash either.

How to prepare burnable waste

The right preparation of burnable waste helps collection work smoothly. My kitchen waste needs draining – this cuts down on smell and keeps garbage bags intact. Cooking oil needs solidifying with a coagulant or soaking into paper before I throw it away.

Larger burnable items need cutting into smaller pieces (usually under 30cm). To name just one example, see my old wooden cutting board – I had to saw it into smaller parts before it went into the burnable bag.

Some cities need extra steps:

1. Taking metal parts off mostly burnable items
2. Sharp objects need paper wrapping to protect the bags
3. Using special “extra garbage” stickers for oversized items
4. Smelly items go in smaller bags inside the main garbage bag

Your burnable garbage must go in designated bags – regular shopping bags won’t work.

Collection frequency and bag rules

Burnable waste collection times are different across Japan, but twice-weekly collection happens most often in urban areas. My neighborhood’s collections happen every Tuesday and Friday. The schedule changes between nearby districts too.

Cities give out waste collection calendars (gomi karendā) to homes, and they often come in several languages. These calendars use color coding and images that show which garbage type gets collected each day.

Each city requires specific garbage bags for burnable waste. These bags:

• Come in different sizes (usually small, medium, and large)
• Let collectors see what’s inside
• Show city-specific markings or text
• Are sold at local supermarkets, convenience stores, or drugstores

Prices change by size and location, ranging from ¥30-80 per bag. This fee works like a “pay-as-you-throw” tax and makes people think twice about making too much waste.

Using wrong bags has real consequences – nobody will collect your garbage. My first month in Japan taught me this lesson when I used a non-designated bag. My garbage stayed put at the collection point that evening with a warning sticker on it.

One last vital rule: tie those bags tight. Areas with lots of crows will have unsecured bags torn apart fast. This leads to neighbor disputes and extra cleanup work.

Non-Burnable Waste: Avoiding Dangerous Mistakes

You need extra care to sort non-burnable waste the right way. Many items in this category can be dangerous if not handled properly. Your municipality might collect this waste once a week or twice a month. This makes it vital to know what belongs in this category to keep your living space clean.

Examples of non-burnable items

Non-burnable waste (燃えないゴミ moenai gomi or 不燃ごみ funen gomi) covers materials that can’t be safely incinerated. These items fall into several categories:

• Metal items: Pots, kettles, frying pans, wire hangers, small tools, and empty aluminum/steel cans
• Glass products: Cups, plates, baby bottles, window glass, broken bottles, and mirrors
• Ceramics and porcelain: Tea cups, plates, decorations, and flower pots
• Small appliances: Items under 30cm like telephones, printers, toaster ovens, rice cookers, and electric water boilers

Note that some areas classify beverage cans as non-burnable waste. However, empty bottles for drinks, alcohol, condiments, and cosmetics usually go into separate recycling bins. These items won’t be recycled if you throw them in with non-burnable trash ^[1].

This category is meant for items that can’t burn safely or might damage incinerators. Some cities also treat certain hard plastics and rubber items as non-burnable waste.

How to handle hazardous materials

Several potentially dangerous items need special care:

Spray cans and aerosols: These can cause fires and explosions. Take these steps before disposal:

1. Empty the contents completely
2. Use venting caps according to instructions to release remaining gas
3. Press the nozzle against solid ground in a well-ventilated area away from fire hazards if there’s no venting cap ^[1]

Sharp objects and broken items: Wrap broken glass, ceramics, or sharp-edged items in paper. Mark them clearly as “危険” (kiken – meaning “dangerous”) ^[1]. This helps protect waste collection workers.

Batteries and electronics: These need specific handling:

• Cover button batteries with cellophane tape to prevent fires ^[1]
• Look for special “hazardous waste” containers for batteries and small rechargeable devices
• Lithium-ion batteries can cause severe fires under compression ^[2]

Many cities let you drop off fluorescent lights and batteries at specific places like ward offices, community centers, or appliance stores instead of mixing them with regular non-burnable waste ^[1].

What happens if you mix categories

Wrong sorting of non-burnable waste leads to several problems:

Collection refusal: Garbage collectors will leave mixed waste behind with a warning sticker ^[3]. Your neighbors will notice the uncollected waste.

Legal penalties: Japanese law prohibits improper waste disposal. You could face charges for mixing waste types, littering, using prohibited disposal areas, or mishandling hazardous materials ^[4].

Environmental damage: Non-burnable items in incinerators release harmful emissions and damage equipment. Burnable items waste precious landfill space. Japan had over 1,600 non-burnable waste landfills in 2018, with space lasting only 20 more years ^[5].

Failed recycling: Resource conversion centers sort and recycle metal items like iron and aluminum from non-burnable waste ^[1]. Category mixing stops this process.

Safety risks: Batteries and pressurized cans have started fires in garbage trucks and recycling plants ^[2]. These accidents put workers at risk and destroy expensive equipment.

Your local non-burnable waste guidelines protect waste management workers and save landfill space. They also ensure recyclable materials get processed properly. Japan’s strict sorting rules are the foundations of its complete waste management system.

Recyclables: PET Bottles, Cans, Glass, and Paper

Japan’s detailed recycling system, 資源ごみ (shigen gomi), needs careful preparation that often catches newcomers off guard. The country’s 3R policy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) has created advanced collection systems for PET bottles, cans, glass, and paper. The results are impressive – recycling rates for aluminum cans reach over 90% consistently ^[6].

How to clean and sort recyclables

Cleanliness isn’t optional when you recycle in Japan. You really need to rinse all containers to remove food residue before throwing them away. This might seem picky, but clean recyclables help prevent contamination and make recycling more effective.

Here’s what you need to do with most recyclables:

1. Empty the contents completely
2. Rinse with water
3. Remove any non-recyclable components
4. Dry if necessary
5. Place in the appropriate container or bag

PET bottles need special attention – you’ll have to remove caps and labels, which get recycled separately ^[3]. Some cities want you to crush bottles to save space, while others prefer them as they are.

Paper recycling also needs careful handling. You’ll need to sort newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons into different piles, arrange them by size, and tie them with string ^[7]. Milk and juice cartons need extra care – rinse them, cut them open, dry them, and flatten them before disposal.

What goes where: PET, cans, glass, paper

PET Bottles: You can spot these by the PET① logo on plastic drink bottles ^[3]. After cleaning, remove caps and plastic labels (these usually go into plastic recyclables or burnables, depending on your local rules). A leading food company has started making new bottles from used ones, which cuts petroleum-derived resource usage by about 90% and CO2 emissions by 60% ^[8].

Cans: You’ll need to sort aluminum and steel cans – look for the recycling symbols スチール (steel) and アルミ (aluminum) ^[9]. Some areas want aluminum and steel separated, while others collect them together ^[10]. This includes coffee cans, fruit juice cans, soda cans, and beer cans ^[11].

Glass Bottles: Most cities collect clear, brown, and green glass bottles in different groups ^[3]. Only bottles that held food, beverages, cosmetics, or medicine count as recyclable glass ^[12]. Heat-resistant glassware (like Pyrex), ceramics, light bulbs, and broken glass don’t belong here – they go with non-burnable waste ^[11].

Paper: This includes newspapers, magazines, flyers, cardboard boxes, envelopes (remove plastic windows), and clean paper cartons ^[9]. Watch out for what you include – thermal paper (receipts), carbon paper, laminated paper, and paper with food residue don’t belong with recyclable paper ^[11].

Mistakes that ruin recycling efforts

These common mistakes can disrupt Japan’s recycling system:

• Not removing food residue: Dirty containers can ruin entire batches of recyclables ^[9]
• Using incorrect bags: Most cities require transparent or semi-transparent bags for recyclables ^[7]
• Mixing different materials: Each type of recyclable needs its own bag – don’t mix glass, cans, and PET bottles ^[12]
• Leaving caps and labels on PET bottles: These different plastic types need separate processing ^[8]
• Including non-recyclable paper: Things like greasy pizza boxes or waterproof paper can contaminate paper recycling ^[11]

If you make a mistake, collectors might leave your recyclables with a violation sticker. You’ll need to take them back, sort them again, and wait for the next collection day ^[3]. I want to help you avoid this hassle.

Japan’s recycling efforts show amazing results. The PET bottle recycling system has created an impressive process where old bottles become new bottles, textile products, and construction materials ^[8].

Oversized Garbage: Booking, Fees, and Alternatives

The sodai gomi (粗大ごみ) system helps Japanese residents get rid of old sofas or broken refrigerators through a well-laid-out process. Any item exceeding 30cm in height, width, or depth needs special handling and comes with extra fees.

How to schedule a pickup

You can’t just leave large items at regular collection points – you’ll need to make a reservation first. Your local oversized garbage center takes bookings by phone or through the municipality’s website. Most cities have their own reception centers, and many Tokyo wards share the number 03-5296-7000. Online booking options are becoming more accessible to people.

Here’s what you need to do when booking a collection:

• Describe each item you want to throw away
• Pick a collection date (usually 2-3 weeks ahead)
• Get details about fees and where to leave items
• Save your confirmation or application number

The center will tell you the collection day, fee amount, and where to put your items. Yokohama handles collections on weekdays but can do Sunday pickups if you ask. Shinjuku lets you register up to 10 items per booking, and larger amounts need separate arrangements.

Where to buy disposal tickets

You’ll need to buy disposal stickers (sodai gomi sticker) to pay for collection. You can get these at:

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.)
• Supermarkets in your area
• Local ward offices
• Post offices (some areas)

Each municipality has its own stickers – you can’t use a Minato-ku sticker in Shinjuku-ku. Prices change based on size and type. Small items cost about ¥250-550, while bigger furniture or spring mattresses might cost up to ¥2,200 each.

Write your name or confirmation number on the stickers and put them where they’re easy to see. Leave everything at the pickup spot between 5:00-8:00 AM on collection day.

Selling or donating large items

This disposal process takes time and money, but usable items have other options. Recycle shops like Hard Off and Second Street take household goods and sometimes pick them up, though they might pay very little or even charge you depending on the item’s condition.

Local exchanges happen through online marketplaces. Facebook groups like “Tokyo Sayonara Sales” or “Osaka Sayonara Sales” help connect buyers and sellers. Apps like Mercari and Jimoti (ジモティー) make local trades easier and faster than waiting for official disposal.

Some cities run “garbage exchange systems” that connect people who want to give away items with those who need them. Chuo City in Tokyo suggests trying this before choosing disposal.

The system offers fee exemptions to welfare recipients, people over 65, those with disability certificates, and single-parent households. You can ask your local waste management office about getting an exemption if you qualify.

Planning ahead is crucial since you can’t dispose of large items on regular garbage days. The two-week waiting period means you should think over your disposal needs early, especially if you’re moving or buying new furniture.

Garbage Bags and Collection Points: What You Need to Know

Japanese garbage disposal rules can puzzle newcomers, especially when it comes to strict regulations about garbage bags. The right bag choice determines whether collectors will take your waste or leave it sitting at your doorstep.

Designated vs regular bags

The designated garbage bag system (shitei gomi bukuro) makes residents buy municipality-approved bags to dispose of waste. These bags aren’t optional – more than 80% of municipalities across Japan require them ^[13]. The 23 central Tokyo wards accept transparent bags, but other regions have much stricter requirements.

Designated bags serve two main goals: they let collectors check proper sorting through transparency and help municipalities include waste disposal costs in the purchase price ^[13]. These bags must meet specific criteria:

• Collectors need to see through them to verify contents ^[14]
• Sizes range from 5-40 liters with different prices ^[15]
• Each municipality accepts only its own bags – you can’t use a Minato bag in Shibuya ^[16]
• Local supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores stock these bags ^[14]

Prices change based on size and location. To cite an instance, Yamato City charges ¥640 for ten 40-liter bags, while ten 5-liter bags cost ¥80 ^[15]. Some cities now mandate designated bags. Takasago City started this system in 2024, with full implementation from March 1 ^[17].

Where to drop off garbage

The right disposal location matters just as much as the correct bag. Municipality guidelines state that:

• Your designated collection point stands as your only option ^[14]
• Neighborhood blocks or districts determine collection points ^[14]
• Apartment buildings usually have their own garbage areas ^[18]
• Single-family homes place garbage at their property edge near the road ^[15]

Wrong disposal locations lead to neighborhood conflicts ^[19]. Your perfectly sorted garbage might stay uncollected if you leave it at the wrong spot, causing friction with neighbors responsible for that area.

How to find your local collection schedule

Each municipality runs on its own schedule:

• Collection days vary between areas in the same city ^[14]
• Most places ban overnight garbage placement ^[14]
• Collection deadlines fall between 5:30-8:30 AM on specific days ^[20]
• Holiday periods bring special schedule changes ^[21]

You can find your schedule through these methods:

1. Your municipality’s website or smartphone app ^[22]
2. Printed calendars from local ward offices ^[22]
3. Your real estate agent or landlord ^[16]
4. Online searches with city name + “ゴミ収集日” (garbage collection days) ^[16]

Holiday periods affect collection schedules. Some areas stop collection from December 29-January 5 during New Year’s ^[21]. Household garbage increases during holidays, so collection times might shift. Getting your garbage out by the designated time becomes vital during these periods.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Living in a foreign country means you need to adapt to new systems. Japan’s waste management stands out as one of the toughest things to get used to. Many newcomers master the basics of waste sorting but still trip up on small details that create big problems.

Putting out trash on the wrong day

Garbage collection schedules in Japan change a lot between neighborhoods – even in the same city. Each city creates its own calendars that suggest which types of waste they’ll collect on specific days ^[20]. If you put your trash out on the wrong day, you’ll face:

• Trash sitting uncollected at the pickup spot
• Wildlife (mostly crows) ripping open your bags
• Unhappy neighbors

Your trash needs to be at the pickup spot before 8:00-8:30 AM on collection day ^[23]. Most areas don’t allow you to put garbage out the night before ^[24]. Collection times change by a lot during holidays, so you’ll need special calendars for year-end periods ^[21].

Using the wrong bag or mixing items

About 80% of Japanese cities use specific garbage bags. Collectors won’t take your waste if you use the wrong bag or mix items incorrectly ^[23]. Many areas don’t allow black or non-see-through bags at all ^[20].

Wrong sorting causes much of the tension between neighbors ^[19]. If you mix different types of waste, you can expect:

• Stickers marking your violations on uncollected bags
• Pressure from people in your community
• Having to take back your trash, sort it again, and wait for the next pickup ^[3]

Ignoring local rules or signs

Local communities take care of waste separation and collection ^[19]. If you ignore the rules, you’re not just breaking regulations – you’re hurting your relationships with neighbors.

Most collection spots have signs (usually just in Japanese) that list specific rules. Your neighbors might come talk to you about mistakes, like they did with one foreigner who threw away a small plastic toy incorrectly ^[25].

Proper waste disposal means more than just following rules. It shows you respect the culture and community. If you’re unsure, check your city’s website or ask your city hall for help in other languages ^[26].

Helpful Tools: Apps, Calendars, and City Guides

Japan’s complex garbage sorting system becomes easier to handle when you use digital tools and multilingual resources that explain local rules.

Best apps for garbage sorting

The threeR (さんあ~る) app is a great tool that helps residents across Japan. You can get it on iOS and Android devices. This official app shows your neighborhood collection calendars, explains sorting rules, and lets you test what you’ve learned with a quiz feature ^[27]. Gomi-Map takes a different approach – you just take a picture of your item and its AI tells you the right waste category based on your area’s rules ^[28]. These apps remind you about upcoming collection days, so you won’t stress about missing garbage day.

Where to find multilingual guides

Local city offices make multilingual resources available for foreign residents. Osaka City’s Environmental Bureau gives you printable QR code guides in Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali ^[29]. City websites across Japan have “How to Sort Garbage” PDFs in several languages. You can find these resources by searching your city name plus “ゴミ収集日” (garbage collection days) ^[16].

Using collection calendars effectively

Holiday periods change regular collection schedules, especially during year-end. To cite an instance, Hiratsuka City moves its collection dates between December 29, 2025, and January 8, 2026 ^[21]. Your calendar should be in a spot you can easily see. Use colored markers to highlight schedule changes for quick reference.

Conclusion

Getting used to Japan’s garbage disposal system takes time and careful attention. Living here has taught me that proper waste management goes beyond environmental duty – it’s a social responsibility too. The sorting system looks daunting at first, but this detailed separation leads to amazing results in resource recovery and waste handling.

The proof is in the results. Japan achieves great recycling rates despite having limited landfill space. Every time you sort correctly, you help make this possible. Each PET bottle, non-burnable item, and oversized garbage pickup you handle right helps Japan’s waste system last longer.

Note that everyone messes up in the beginning. My trip through learning included quite a few returned garbage bags and neighbors kindly pointing out mistakes. These moments were embarrassing but taught me so much about what the community expects and how to be environmentally responsible.

Japan’s waste management shows its cultural values in action – precision, community harmony, and smart resource use. The rules might seem tough, but they create a cleaner environment that benefits everyone.

The best advice? Use all the help you can get. Your local websites, guides in different languages, and sorting apps are a great way to get help. They turn this tricky part of daily life into something you can handle. The ward office staff will help too if you need to ask questions.

The adjustment might not feel easy, but stick with it. Before you know it, you’ll sort without thinking – maybe even showing newcomers how it works. This skill shows more than just knowing the system – it’s a big step toward becoming part of Japanese society.

Key Takeaways

Master Japan’s complex waste sorting system to avoid legal penalties and social friction while contributing to the country’s impressive environmental goals.

• Learn the four main categories: Burnable, non-burnable, recyclables, and oversized waste each have specific rules and collection schedules that vary by municipality.

• Use only designated bags and correct collection points: Wrong bags or locations result in rejected garbage and neighborhood disputes—purchase municipality-specific bags from local stores.

• Schedule oversized items in advance: Large items require booking 2-3 weeks ahead, purchasing disposal stickers, and following specific pickup procedures.

• Clean and separate recyclables meticulously: PET bottles need caps/labels removed, cans must be rinsed, and contaminated items ruin entire recycling batches.

• Download sorting apps and check local calendars: Tools like threeR app and multilingual city guides prevent common mistakes and provide collection reminders.

Proper waste disposal in Japan isn’t just about following rules—it’s a social contract that demonstrates respect for your community and contributes to the country’s goal of extending landfill capacity beyond the current 20-year projection. When in doubt, consult your local ward office for guidance rather than guessing.

FAQs

Q1. How are garbage categories divided in Japan? In Japan, garbage is typically divided into four main categories: burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized waste. Each category has specific rules for disposal and collection schedules that can vary by municipality.

Q2. What happens if I don’t sort my garbage correctly in Japan? Incorrect sorting can lead to your garbage being left uncollected, often with a warning sticker attached. You may face social pressure from neighbors and, in serious cases, potential fines. It’s crucial to follow local sorting guidelines to avoid these issues.

Q3. How do I dispose of large items like furniture in Japan? For oversized items, you need to schedule a pickup with your local waste management center, usually 2-3 weeks in advance. You’ll need to purchase special disposal stickers and follow specific instructions for the pickup day.

Q4. Are there any apps to help with garbage sorting in Japan? Yes, there are helpful apps available. The “threeR” app provides collection calendars and sorting guidelines for many areas in Japan. Some apps even use AI to identify the correct waste category for items based on photos.

Q5. How should I prepare recyclables before disposal in Japan? Recyclables need to be clean and properly separated. For example, PET bottles should have caps and labels removed, cans should be rinsed, and different types of paper should be bundled separately. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure effective recycling.

References

[1] – https://kateigomi-bunbetsu.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/en/rule/unburnableGarbage
[2] – https://www.city.anjo.aichi.jp/kurasu/gomi/gomidashi/documents/r6-english1.pdf
[3] – https://e-housing.jp/post/japans-garbage-separation-system-explained-for-foreigners-in-2025
[4] – https://www.expatica.com/jp/house/household/recycling-in-japan-79875/
[5] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_management_in_Japan
[6] – http://japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/recycling-in-japan-or-reasons-to-get-it-right-and-avoid-eternal-shame
[7] – https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/garbage/sortinganddisposal.html
[8] – https://www.env.go.jp/content/900453393.pdf
[9] – https://wakokujp.com/how-to-recycle-in-japan/?srsltid=AfmBOoqGhn8K0D6wapJHWzmTUAslU0xL_enawRs9Vq_wHGAfWpWNKMOF
[10] – https://bfftokyo.com/ultimate-guide-to-recycling-and-garbage-disposal-in-japan/
[11] – https://alexkwa.com/the-complete-guide-to-garbage-disposal-sorting-and-recycling-in-japan/
[12] – https://matcha-jp.com/en/10149
[13] – https://japacks.com/en/useful-info/designated-garbage-bag/
[14] – https://living.rise-corp.tokyo/living-in-japan-household-waste-disposal/
[15] – https://www.city.yamato.lg.jp/material/files/group/29/000140813.pdf
[16] – https://mailmate.jp/blog/trash-in-japan
[17] – https://www.city.takasago.lg.jp/material/files/group/36/Leaflet2.pdf
[18] – https://media.job-journey.persol-hrpartners.co.jp/blog/Garbage-Collection-Rules-in-Japan
[19] – https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2222.html
[20] – https://www.city.saitama.lg.jp/en/sc/living-garbage.html
[21] – https://www.city.hiratsuka.kanagawa.jp.e.di.hp.transer.com/kankyo/page-c_01280.html
[22] – https://www.realestate-tokyo.com/living-in-tokyo/tokyo-general/garbage-collection/
[23] – https://www.geihokukouiki.jp/contents/pdf/gomi-dashikata-gaikoku/001-english.pdf
[24] – https://e-housing.jp/post/japanese-recycling-rules-and-garbage-disposal-in-tokyo-2025-guide
[25] – https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3167620/japans-strict-garbage-disposal-rules-confound
[26] – https://blog.gaijinpot.com/trash-talk-a-guide-to-garbage-disposal-in-japan/
[27] – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.delight_system.threeR.android&hl=en
[28] – https://gomi-map.jp/eng
[29] – https://www.yolo-japan.com/en/information/details/365