1. Waste Types

Category - EN Category - JP Typical Items Key Points
Burnable waste 可燃ごみ Food scraps, paper, cloth, wood, rubber, leather Most common category. Drain food waste well before disposal.
Non-burnable waste 不燃ごみ Ceramics, small metal items, glass, umbrellas Collected less frequently. Do not mix with burnable waste.
Plastics プラスチック Packaging, trays, bags, containers marked with the plastic symbol Rinse lightly. Only clean plastics are accepted as recyclables.
Plastic bottles ペットボトル(PETボトル) Drink bottles marked with the PET symbol Remove cap and label; rinse before disposal.
Cans, bottles, glass 缶・びん・ガラス Aluminium cans, steel cans, glass bottles Rinse and separate by type where required by your municipality.
Paper and cardboard 紙・段ボール Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, milk cartons Keep dry. Tie in bundles. Cardboard is usually collected separately.
Hazardous waste 危険物 Spray cans, lighters, batteries, fluorescent tubes Never mix with regular waste. Follow local rules carefully to avoid fire hazards.
Large items 粗大ごみ Furniture, bicycles, appliances Advance reservation required. A fee applies.

2. Bag Requirements

RuleDetails
Designated bags (指定袋) Some municipalities require officially approved bags. Using other bags may result in the rubbish not being collected.
Transparent or semi-transparent bags Many areas require see-through bags so that waste separation can be verified by collectors.
Black or opaque bags Prohibited in many areas because the contents cannot be checked. Always confirm local rules before use.

3. Collection Rules

Rule Details
Each category has a specific collection day.
  • Putting out rubbish on the wrong day is not allowed.
  • You may be fined or asked to take it back in some areas.
When you can take out rubbish
  • Depends on the local municipality's schedule.
  • Different wards have different collection days and rules.
Putting out rubbish at night
  • Taking out rubbish at night can be prohibited and fined in some areas.
  • In general, if an apartment has a designated rubbish collection point inside, residents can use it at night.
Leaving rubbish outside the collection point
  • Leaving rubbish in communal areas or hallways is prohibited.
  • Use the designated collection point (集積所) for your building only.
  • Violations may result in warnings from neighbours or the building manager.

4. Time Restrictions

In many apartments, residents are not allowed to take out rubbish at night.

This is because: