How to Recycle Plastic Bottles (PET) in Japan
How to Dispose of Plastic Bottles (PET Bottles) in Japan
Check the recycling mark: Only bottles marked ① PET (on the bottom) qualify as PET recyclable. Other plastic bottles (marked ② HDPE, ③ PVC, etc.) go in the plastic packaging category or non-burnable waste.
Remove the cap and label — in most wards, caps and labels go in the plastic packaging bag (プラスチック製容器包装袋).
Rinse the inside with water — remove all residue (drinks, sauces). Bottles with strong residue contaminate the batch.
Lightly crush the bottle to save space.
Put out on your ward's PET bottle recycling day.
General Rules Across Japan
PET bottle recycling is available in all Japanese municipalities. Only ① PET-marked bottles qualify — look for the recycling symbol with 'PET' inside on the bottle's base. Non-PET plastic containers and bottles (shampoo bottles, detergent containers) are plastic packaging recyclables, not PET bottles.
✅ Practical Tips
- Labels from PET bottles are usually plastic (not paper) — they go in the plastic packaging bag.
- Mayonnaise and oil containers are NOT PET bottles — they are plastic packaging recyclable or non-burnable depending on your ward.
- Many convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) have PET bottle collection boxes outside — use these any day, no collection schedule needed.
🔄 Alternatives to Throwing Away
- Convenience store collection boxes: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson have PET bottle collection boxes outside most stores — available 24/7, no collection day needed.
- Supermarket collection: Aeon, Ito-Yokado, and most major supermarkets have PET bottle drop-off points.
- Reverse vending machines (リバースベンディングマシン): Some larger supermarkets and shopping centres have machines that accept PET bottles and give loyalty points in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take the cap off a PET bottle before recycling?
This varies by ward. Most wards ask you to remove the cap (and put it in plastic packaging). Some wards now accept bottles with the cap on. Check your ward's waste guide — GomiMate shows ward-specific rules.