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 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.

body { font-family: system-ui, sans-serif; max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 2rem; color: #1A1A1A; line-height: 1.6; } h1 { font-size: 2.5rem; color: #1A1A1A; } h2 { font-size: 1.75rem; color: #2E9E6B; margin-top: 2rem; } h3 { font-size: 1.25rem; margin-top: 1.5rem; } p, li { font-size: 1rem; color: #444; } ul { padding-left: 1.5rem; } a { color: #2E9E6B; } .badge { background: #2E9E6B; color: white; padding: 0.25rem 0.75rem; border-radius: 99px; font-size: 0.875rem; display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 1rem; }

GomiMate

Japan's #1 Trash Companion

GomiMate — Never confuse your trash day in Japan again

GomiMate is your friendly neighbourhood companion that makes garbage sorting, scheduling, and collection day reminders effortless. Never miss garbage day in Japan again.

Request beta access for GomiMate — iOS and Android →

Everything you need to master Japanese garbage sorting

Complex rules made simple. GomiMate translates local ward regulations into a beautiful, easy-to-use daily companion.

Smart Calendar: Automatically syncs with your specific neighbourhood's collection schedule. See what needs to go out today, tomorrow, and next week at a glance.
Sort Guide: Not sure if that plastic wrapper is burnable or recyclable? Search the comprehensive local database. No more guessing.
Scan Your Schedule: Got a paper collection notice from your ward office? Just scan it. GomiMate reads the schedule automatically and sets everything up for you.
Night-Before Reminders: Push notifications sent the evening before every collection day.
100+ Municipalities: All 23 Tokyo wards, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and growing.
Offline Mode: Full access after initial setup — no internet required.
Multilingual: English and Japanese (with optional furigana).

Set up in 3 easy steps

Get your schedule: Select your ward to auto-download the official calendar, or scan the garbage slip at your nearest collection station.
Your schedule is set: GomiMate syncs the official calendar for your exact block instantly. No manual entry required.
Get notified: Receive a friendly push notification reminder the night before each collection day so you never miss putting out the right bin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GomiMate?

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?

Download GomiMate, select your ward or city, and the app automatically downloads your official collection schedule. Alternatively, scan the garbage slip at your nearest collection station — setup takes under 2 minutes.

Which cities does GomiMate support?

All 23 special wards of Tokyo (Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku, Koto-ku, and more), Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and 100+ additional municipalities. New areas are added weekly.

What types of garbage are collected in Japan?

Japanese municipalities separate waste into: Burnable waste (燃えるごみ), Non-burnable waste (不燃ごみ), Recyclables (資源ごみ) including PET bottles, cans, and cardboard, Bulky waste (粗大ごみ), and Hazardous waste (有害ごみ). Collection days vary by ward and waste type. GomiMate's sort guide lets you search any item to find the correct category for your municipality.

How do I get access to GomiMate?

GomiMate is currently in private beta with invite-only access. Enter your email on the website to request early access — we'll notify you when your spot is ready.

What languages does GomiMate support?

English and Japanese (with optional furigana reading aid).

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

Incorrectly sorted garbage is left uncollected with a rejection sticker (収集不可). GomiMate's reminders and sort guide help you always put out the right bin on the right day.

How does garbage sorting work for expats in Japan?

Japan's sorting system is among the world's strictest and varies by municipality. GomiMate was designed for this: it shows your exact schedule in English, explains sorting rules, and reminds you the night before collection day.