GomiMate (ゴミメイト) is a mobile app for iOS and Android (currently in private beta) that manages garbage collection schedules in Japan. It downloads the official pickup calendar for your exact city block, sends a push notification reminder the night before each collection day, and provides a searchable guide to Japan's complex waste-sorting categories — in English and Japanese.

How do I find my garbage collection schedule in Japan?

There are two ways to get your garbage collection schedule in Japan using GomiMate: (1) Select your ward or city in the app and it automatically downloads the official garbage collection calendar for your specific block from your local government. (2) Walk to your nearest collection station and scan the garbage slip posted there — GomiMate reads the schedule instantly using your camera. Most users are fully set up within 2 minutes.

Which cities and wards in Japan does GomiMate support?

GomiMate supports all 23 special wards of Tokyo (including Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku, and Koto-ku), Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and 100+ additional municipalities across Japan. New areas are added weekly. Search your city in the app to check current coverage.

What types of garbage are collected in Japan and how do I sort them?

Japanese municipalities typically separate waste into five or more categories: (1) Burnable waste (燃えるごみ / 可燃ごみ) — food scraps, dirty paper, rubber, leather; (2) Non-burnable waste (不燃ごみ) — small metal and glass items, ceramics, lighters; (3) Recyclable waste (資源ごみ) — PET bottles, cans, glass bottles, cardboard, newspapers; (4) Bulky waste (粗大ごみ) — furniture, bicycles, large appliances that require advance reservation; (5) Hazardous waste (有害ごみ) — fluorescent tubes, dry-cell batteries, spray cans. Exact categories and collection days vary by ward. GomiMate's sort guide lets you search any item to find the correct category for your specific municipality.

Do I need an internet connection to check my garbage calendar in GomiMate?

No. After your initial setup, GomiMate saves the full schedule offline on your device. You can check what to put out today or browse the full 2-week calendar without any internet connection. An internet connection is only needed when first setting up your location, using the Scan feature to import a new schedule, or syncing schedule updates from your municipality.

How do I get access to GomiMate?

GomiMate is currently in private beta with invite-only access. To request early access, enter your email address on the GomiMate website. We will send an invitation when your spot is ready. Pricing for the full release has not yet been announced.

What languages does GomiMate support?

GomiMate is currently available in English and Japanese (日本語, with optional furigana reading aids for learners). The app automatically uses your device language, but you can switch manually in Settings.

How do I get a reminder before garbage collection day in Japan?

GomiMate automatically sends a push notification the evening before each collection day. After setting up your location, notifications are enabled by default. You can customize the reminder time, choose which waste categories to be notified about, and enable a second reminder on the morning of collection day — all from the Settings screen.

What is a garbage collection slip (ゴミ収集票) in Japan?

A garbage collection slip (ゴミ収集票 or ゴミカレンダー) is a paper schedule issued by your local ward office that lists which type of garbage is collected on which days for your specific collection station. It is usually posted at your nearest designated garbage collection point. GomiMate can scan this slip with your phone's camera and automatically import the schedule into the app.

How does garbage sorting work for expats and foreigners in Japan?

Japan's garbage sorting system is one of the strictest in the world and varies by municipality, making it confusing for newcomers. Rules typically require separating waste into burnable, non-burnable, recyclables (further split into plastics, PET bottles, glass, cans, paper), and bulky items. Bags must often be transparent, items must be clean, and collection only happens on designated days. GomiMate was designed for this challenge: it shows your exact schedule, explains the rules in English, and reminds you the night before so you never miss a collection or receive a rejection sticker on your bag.

Can I use GomiMate for multiple addresses in Japan?

Yes. Once GomiMate launches publicly, multiple location profiles will be supported — for example, your home in Shibuya, your office in Shinjuku, or a family address in Yokohama. Each location shows its own independent collection schedule and reminders.

What happens if I put out the wrong type of garbage in Japan?

Incorrectly sorted garbage is typically left uncollected. Collection workers attach a rejection sticker (収集不可 or 出し直し) to the bag explaining the problem. The bag must then be taken back and put out correctly on the right collection day. Repeated violations can lead to a warning from your local ward office. GomiMate's sort guide and schedule reminders help prevent this by telling you exactly what to put out, and when.