Japan Waste Sorting Guide
Exactly how to dispose of 20 common household items in Japan — from futons to air conditioners, bicycles to batteries. Includes preparation steps, local fees, Home Appliance Recycling Law details, and alternatives for every item.
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Futons are bulky waste (粗大ごみ) in Japan and require advance booking — you cannot leave them at a regu…
Before you dispose of a bicycle in Japan, you MUST cancel its anti-theft registration (防犯登録の抹消) at t…
Air conditioners in Japan are regulated under the Home Appliance Recycling Law (家電リサイクル法) — they can…
Televisions in Japan are regulated under the Home Appliance Recycling Law (家電リサイクル法) — they cannot b…
Refrigerators and freezers in Japan cannot be put out as regular garbage or bulky waste — they are r…
Washing machines and tumble dryers cannot be put out as bulky waste in Japan — they are covered by t…
Mattresses are bulky waste (粗大ごみ) in Japan and must be booked in advance — you cannot leave them at …
Sofas are bulky waste (粗大ごみ) in Japan and require advance booking. Fees are typically ¥1,500–¥5,000 …
Computers and laptops in Japan are NOT covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Law — instead, they f…
Smartphones in Japan can be dropped off at any carrier store (Docomo, SoftBank, au, Rakuten Mobile) …
Microwaves fall into non-burnable waste (不燃ごみ) or bulky waste (粗大ごみ) depending on size — NOT the Hom…
Never pour liquid paint down the drain — it is both illegal and environmentally harmful. In Japan, p…
Battery disposal in Japan depends on battery type: (1) Standard dry-cell batteries (アルカリ乾電池, single-…
Fluorescent bulbs and tubes (蛍光灯) contain mercury and must follow your ward's hazardous-waste collec…
Cardboard (段ボール) is recyclable paper (古紙) in Japan — flatten it completely, tie into a bundle with s…
PET bottles (ペットボトル, marked with ① PET) are recyclable in Japan. The rules for caps and labels vary …
Clothing disposal rules in Japan differ by municipality. In wards that collect textiles as recyclabl…
Standard umbrellas (60–70 cm, folded) are non-burnable waste (不燃ごみ) in most Japanese wards — no book…
Pots, pans, and cookware (including Teflon/non-stick) are non-burnable waste (不燃ごみ) in Japan — no sp…
Books and magazines are recyclable paper (古紙) in Japan. Bundle them with string (not tape), remove a…
⚖️ Home Appliance Recycling Law (家電リサイクル法)
These 4 appliances cannot go in regular garbage or bulky waste — they must be returned to the retailer or manufacturer with a recycling fee.
❄️Bulky Waste (粗大ごみ) — Booking Required
Items too large for regular bags. Book online or by phone through your ward. Fees typically ¥400–¥5,000 per item.
🛏️Hazardous Waste (有害ごみ)
These items contain toxic, flammable, or reactive materials and require special handling. Never mix with regular garbage.
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