How to Dispose of Cardboard in Japan
How to Dispose of Cardboard in Japan
Flatten all boxes completely — break them down at the folds.
Remove ALL tape (ガムテープ, セロテープ) — tape contaminated paper recycling. Staples are generally fine.
Check for wax coating: scratch the surface with a fingernail — if it feels slippery or waxy, it is wax-coated and must go in burnable waste.
Remove any styrofoam, packing peanuts, or plastic bubble wrap from inside the boxes — these go in non-burnable waste or plastic recyclables.
Stack and tie with string (紙紐 or 麻紐) — do NOT use rubber bands or tape.
General Rules Across Japan
Cardboard is recyclable (古紙 category) in all Japanese municipalities. Collection days (古紙回収日) are typically bi-monthly or monthly depending on the ward. Many supermarkets also have daily cardboard collection boxes — useful for large volumes from deliveries.
✅ Practical Tips
- Remove all bubble wrap and plastic inserts BEFORE recycling — a single plastic item in a cardboard bundle can invalidate the entire bundle at the recycling facility.
- Wax-coated cardboard (fruit or fish boxes) is easy to miss — the glossy surface is the tell-tale sign.
🔄 Alternatives to Throwing Away
- Supermarket cardboard drop-off boxes: Available daily at Aeon, Ito-Yokado, Seiyu, Life, and most other supermarkets — no need to wait for collection day.
- Online sellers: Cardboard in good condition is often sought by Mercari sellers — post on local community boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put cardboard out with regular paper (newspapers, magazines)?
Yes, in most wards cardboard can be bundled together with newspapers and magazines for the paper recycling collection day. Some wards ask you to keep cardboard separate — check your ward's specific guidance.