How and when do I take out the trash? Basic rules for separating and disposing of garbage in Japan.

Written by D. Carnegie

Translated by A. Osorio

4.12.2020 (Re:14.3.2022)

The rules vary by area, and it’s a bit tricky to get used to. It can be even more complicated for foreigners who are not yet used to life in Japan. “When should I take out the trash?” “What should I do to separate it?” “Where should I put it?” There are several rules for taking out the trash. This time, I will introduce you to the basics of garbage disposal using the Kagoshima city as an example.

　1. How do I separate the garbage?

　2. How to separate recyclable waste

　3. Garbage bags

　4. Where to take out the garbage?

　5. When to take it out and at what time

　6. “San-Aru” application

1. How do I separate the garbage?

The detailed classification differs from city to city, but in Japan, garbage is roughly divided into four types: “Burnable garbage” “Non-burnable garbage” “Recyclable garbage” “Large garbage”

Types of garbage (Approximate)
Burnable garbage	Kitchen trash, pieces of paper, pieces of wood, clothes, etc.
Non-burnable garbage	Ceramic, glass, etc.
Recyclable garbage	PET bottles, bottles, cans, newspapers, etc.
Large garbage	Large furniture, appliances, etc.

The main garbage generated at home, such as food waste and paper waste, is BURNABLE GARBAGE. Non- burnable garbage is non-recyclable items such as ceramic plates and glass. PET bottles, bottles, cans, etc. they are collected and recycled.

Oversized trash includes large furniture and appliances. However, due to the rules, local governments do not collect appliances such as air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.

You do need to pay a recycling fee of around 1,000 to 6,000 yen and take your appliances to the store where you bought it, or to the designated collection point of each area.

2. How to separate recyclable waste

Of the four types, recyclable garbage has the most detailed classification.

In the case of Kagoshima City, recyclable garbage is classified as follows.

Recyclable garbage in KAGOSHIMA City > Classification
Plastic containers	Bags and containers with plastic marks
Cans / bottles	Cans, beverage and food bottles
Plastic bottles	Bottle WITH plastic bottle brand
Metals	Metal products and electrical appliances (except large garbage and non-combustible garbage)
Used paper	Newspapers, brochures, cardboards, paper packages, magazines
Clothes	Clothing / textiles
Bulbs / fluorescent	Light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, etc.
Dry batteries	Manganese batteries, Alkaline batteries, 9V batteries
Aerosol cans	Aerosol can / gas cartridges (the container must be empty)

More details here.

There are several types of recyclable garbage, it is necessary to separate them, such as bottles, plastic bottles and cans. Used papers like magazines, newspapers are grouped by type and fastened with string, or put in paper bag or transparent bag.

3. Garbage bags. What is the designated garbage bag?

When you take out the trash, put it in a trash bag and take it out on the designated day. In Kagoshima City, you can use any kind of transparent or colorless plastic bag.

In recent years, many municipalities have introduced designated garbage bags. In those municipalities, if the designated bags are not used, the garbage is not collected.

4. Where to take out the garbage?

There are two methods of garbage collection: “a collection spot” and “door-to-door collection”, depending on the method you have, you must deposit the garbage in the established place.

Collection spots are mainly a garbage storage area installed in apartments, housing complex and residential areas. As it is shared by residents, you need to make sure to use it properly and keep it clean.

In door-to-door collection, workers collect the garbage that is placed at the entrance of each home. In Kagoshima City, people with disabilities or the elderly who have difficulty taking out their garbage, can take advantage of this service. However, those who wish it must request it in advance.

5. When to take it out and at what time

Trash must be place on the designated day the municipality decides. For example: combustible garbage on Monday and Thursday, plastic waste on Friday and so on.

Even within the same municipality, the collection date differs according to the area and the address.

You must take out the trash until 8:00 in the morning.

For some types of garbage, such as oversized garbage, contact the garbage collection center in advance and decide on the date to remove it.

3 basic rules of Kagoshima City for taking out the trash
1.	Please take it out before 8 am on the designated day.
2.	Put it in the designated place.
3.	Separate and put it inside a transparent garbage bag and tie it tightly. (The capacity of the garbage bag, should be up to 45 liters)

6. Let’s know the local rules about garbage

There are various rules and regulations for taking out garbage in Japan, but once you get used to it, everything will be easier.

Some Departments and Cities are creating brochures and websites in foreign languages to introduce the rules and how to sort out the garbage. Get a brochure or ask your neighbors how to separate the garbage in the municipality where you live.

Also, if you use the 「さんあ〜る」 “San-Aru” application, it will allow you to search for sorting methods and inform you of the collection date.

「さんあ〜る」 “San-Aru”