The Japanese Way ♻️
If you’re coming from the U.S., Japan’s garbage system might surprise you — it’s very different!
Because Japan is a small island nation with limited landfill space, recycling isn’t just encouraged — it’s a way of life. Yes, people even wash their trash before throwing it away!
I grew up in Japan, so when I moved to L.A., I was the one with culture shock. Here’s a quick guide to help your family get used to Japan’s eco-friendly system:
Burnable Trash (Moeru Gomi / 燃えるゴミ)
Includes things that can be safely burned:
- Food scraps
- used tissues
- chip bags, etc.
Non-Burnable Trash (Moenai Gomi / 燃えないゴミ)
Items that can’t be incinerated:
- Metal
- Ceramics
- Broken pots
- Wire hangers
Glass Bottles (Bin / ビン)
- Rinse and dry bottles before throwing away
- Broken glass = hazardous waste (wrap in paper for safety)
- No need to remove labels — bottles are recycled later
Cans (Kan / 缶)
- Rinse and dry before disposal
- Never toss them with leftover contents
- All cans are recycled
PET Bottles (Plastic Drink Bottles / ペットボトル)
- Remove label → burnable trash
- Cap → collected separately at supermarkets
- Rinse, dry, and put in the PET bottle bag
💡 Some 7-Eleven stores even give points when you recycle bottles!
Bulky waste / Oversized Items (Sodai Gomi / 粗大ごみ)
- Anything too big for normal bags
- Buy a collection sticker, call for pickup, and confirm the date
Clothing (Furugi / 古着)
Some cities collect clothing separately — check local rules
Hazardous Waste (Yūgai Gomi / 有害ごみ)
- Batteries, light bulbs, lighters, mercury thermometers
- Keep each type in a separate bag or drop-off box
Paper Waste (Kamirui / 紙類)
- Tie magazines, flyers, and clean cardboard into bundles
- Use paper string (some cities require it!)
- Greasy boxes → burnable trash
Where to Recycle
At most supermarkets, you’ll find Recycle boxes for:
- Milk cartons (washed & flattened)
- Food styrofoam trays (clean & dry)
⚠️ Instant ramen cups and natto trays are usually not accepted.
In Tokyo or Yokosuka, sorting rules can get really detailed (like separating plastics from food waste).
If you’re in Okinawa, the system is much simpler — lucky you!
Every little effort keeps Earth beautiful and sustainable. 🌏✨
