How to Dispose of Old Clothes in Japan
How to Dispose of Old Clothes in Japan
Check your ward's textile collection rules — visit your ward's website or use GomiMate. This is the most important step, as rules vary significantly.
If your ward has textile recycling: clothes must be clean and dry. Put in a clear plastic bag (not the ward's standard garbage bag). Do NOT mix shoes in the same bag.
If your ward treats clothes as burnable waste: put in a standard burnable garbage bag on your burnable collection day.
For in-store brand collection (Uniqlo, H&M, GU, Adidas, etc.): bring any brand, any condition, dry and bagged. Drop in the in-store collection box — no receipt needed.
General Rules Across Japan
Textile recycling (古着回収) is offered by some but not all Japanese wards. When in doubt, burnable waste is the safe default in wards without a textile program. Retailer collection programs are an excellent universal option available in all areas.
Practical Tips
- Clothes must be DRY — wet clothes in a burnable bag cause mould issues and may be rejected.
- Shoes must be separated from clothing — they are non-burnable waste (or a separate textile day item), not in the same bag as clothes.
Alternatives to Throwing Away
- H&M: In-store collection boxes accept any brand in any condition (not just H&M) — voucher offered for next purchase.
- Uniqlo: In-store RE.UNIQLO collection points for Uniqlo brand items only.
- GU: In-store collection for any brand.
- Adidas: In-store recycling program (Adidas brand preferred but others accepted at many stores).
- 2nd Street, Treasure Factory, Hard Off (mode): Used clothing resale — get cash for good-condition items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw any old clothes in the burnable garbage in Japan?
Yes — if your ward does not have a textile recycling program, burnable waste is the correct disposal method for clothing. Japan does not require textile recycling by law, so wards handle this differently.