SHIGA SURVIVAL GUIDE: THE GUIDE-housing: rubbish disposal

Throwing out the trash can be more work than just having to take it out to the curb in Japan. The Japanese are very conscious about how garbage must be disposed. The days for pick-up, seperation and required garbage bags will vary according to the rules of your town. Ask your supervisor or co-workers to teach you how to put out the trash in your neighborhood.

TRASH SEPARATION

Trash is generally divided into six types: Burnable Rubbish, Unburnable Rubbish, cans, bottles, large-sized items and batteries. There may be a special day to put out newspapers and magazines, plastic bottles, and other items in your area.

Burnable Rubbish: kitchen rubbish, plastic bags, rubber, leather, disposable chopsticks and other wood products, styrofoam, etc. (While the fact that some of these items are considered "burnable" may be shocking, but this is the way they are divided in Japan.)
Unburnable Rubbish: ceramics, glass, umbrellas, ashes, bottle caps, light bulbs, etc.
Cans: food cans, milk cans, aluminum cans, tins, etc.
Large-sized items: futons, washing machines, bicycles, furniture, 18-liter cans, television sets, refrigerators, giant stuffed elephants, and just about anything else you might own or can possibly imagine.
Batteries: all types of batteries (take these to a school or electronics store).

A schedule and separation explanation can be received from your city or town hall. Burnable rubbish is generally picked up twice a week. Unburnable rubbish, cans, and bottles are generally picked up once a month. Large-sized items are generally picked up twice a year or every few months. See the information from your city or town hall for a detailed explanation. Many towns have information in English, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.

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