For Residents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Garbage Station

Sorting & Disposing Garbage

Garbage has to be sorted in Japan. Garbage without sorting or designated garbage bags may not be collected.

■How to Put Garbage Out

Check out how you can sort garbage in the video.

Contents:
Garbage-Information Sheet/ゴミステーションの案内 
It tells you the garbage disposal rules in your area. Garbage collection days, collection points, and other disposal rules vary according to each area. You get the Garbage-Information sheet when you move in.

Designated Garbage Bags
Some municipalities require the use of designated garbage bags. Among many kinds of garbage bags, you want to get the right kind of garbage bag at convenience stores, supermarkets, or home centers.
If your municipality does not ask you to use designated garbage bags, please use transparent or translucent bags instead. That way, we can identify what is inside the bags when collecting.

Collection Point
Each building has a designated garbage station.

■Types of Garbage and Sorting

Sorting rules are slightly different from one to another municipality. However, this is the most common categories of garbage.*
• Burnable 
• Non-burnable
• Recyclable 
• Hazardous waste 
• Oversize waste (Furniture, bicycle, and bedding)
*Please note that some types of garbage cannot be collected by the municipality. Other rules may apply in your municipality. Please check the “Garbage Collection Calendar” for details.

Unlawful Dumping
Putting out your garbage outside of your garbage station is considered “Unlawful Dumping” which is a violation of the law.

Garbage not Collected
When you put out your garbage the wrong way, the garbage won’t be collected. Furthermore, you get a violation sticker on the garbage. If this ever happens to you, you do not need to panic! All you need to do is to re-sort the garbage and put it out on the next collection day. If your garbage or oversized waste are not collected, check the rules on the Garbage-Information sheet or website of your municipality.
Many municipalities provide multilanguage instructions about garbage and sorting on their website. They also hand out the Garbage Collection Calendar in several languages.


▼Enter [ごみ]（garbage) and [your municipality’s name] on a search engine.

If you can’t find the information in English or have any questions, please contact Daito Kentaku Customer Support Center..

■How to Dispose “Big Cardboard Boxes”
Many municipalities cannot collect them as burnable garbage. You may need to:
・ Bring them to a waste disposal facility (Check with your municipality).
・ Put them out as recyclables (Check your local rules).
・ Have the movers handle it (Fees apply).


■How to Dispose Oversize Waste
・Type and sorting method of oversize waste may differ depending on the local government. Please check your municipality's website and take appropriate action.
・Collection point for oversize waste may be different from your building's household garbage collection point. Please note that the collection point will be specified when you apply for collection.
・According to regulations, air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. cannot be disposed of as oversize garbage. When disposing of the electric appliances, please contact the electronics retailer/manufacturer where you purchased it, or the local municipality office.

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