HIDDEN RULES JAPAN vol.1｜Taking Out the Trash in Japan: Why Is It So Complicated?! Sorting? Schedules? Bulky Waste? Help!
Welcome to Japan!
One of the first unexpected challenges you’ll hit when starting life here is… taking out the trash.
“Wait, is this plastic burnable or recyclable?”
“I want to throw out this giant shelf—should I just leave it on the curb?”
Sorry, it’s not that simple.
In Japan, garbage sorting rules are notoriously strict and—worse—wildly different depending on your city or ward.
Yes, this is what we call “customized chaos.”
In our “HIDDEN RULES JAPAN” series, we dig into those confusing everyday traps.
And for Volume 1, we’re tackling the ultimate boss battle of Japanese life: Trash Sorting & Bulky Waste Disposal!
How Does Trash Collection Even Work in Japan?
In Japan, you must follow the rules for what type of trash it is, when to throw it out, and where to leave it.
And here’s the kicker: rules vary by area—even within Tokyo.
Some wards collect plastic differently, others have their own pickup days.
So step one is simple: Check your local city office’s website or download a trash sorting app.
Japan’s 5 Core Trash Categories
While local rules vary, these 5 types are used pretty much everywhere:
1. Burnable Garbage (Moeru Gomi)
- Food scraps, paper waste, tissues, dirty plastics, leather goods
2. Non-Burnable Garbage (Moenai Gomi)
- Glass, metal, ceramics, scissors, small electronics
3. Recyclables
- Cans, bottles, PET bottles, newspapers, magazines, cardboard
※ Remove labels and rinse everything!
4. Plastic Waste (Marked “プラ”)
- Food trays, bento boxes, packaging
※ Only things with the “プラ” mark count!
5. Bulky Waste (Sodai Gomi)
- Furniture, bedding, appliances, oversized plastic items
Real Example: Meguro Ward Trash Schedule (Tokyo)
■ Sample Schedule:
-
Recyclables: Once a week / Saturday
-
Burnable: Twice a week / Mon & Thu (by 8:00 a.m.)
-
Non-burnable: 1st & 3rd Friday (by 12:30 p.m.)
-
Mercury items: 4th Tuesday (by 8:00 a.m.)
-
Bulky Waste: Must reserve, pickup date is assigned
■ Pro Tips:
- Use clear or semi-transparent bags
- Put trash out by 8 a.m.
- If you mess up, you’ll get a “We didn’t collect this” sticker—and your trash gets left behind.
The Plastic Waste Trap: Not All Plastics Are Equal
You might think “plastic = plastic trash.” But nope.
✅ What does count as plastic waste:
- Food trays
- Snack packaging
- Convenience store bento containers, PET bottle labels
→ Must have the “プラ” symbol
❌ What doesn’t count:
- Hangers, toothbrushes, plastic spoons
- Plastic buckets, toys
These are usually non-burnable or bulky waste, depending on your city.
Timing Is Everything: Never Put Out Trash Too Early
In Japan, you can’t just toss trash whenever.
The golden rule: by 8 a.m. on collection day.
✖ Why not the night before?
- Crows and cats tear it open
- Smell annoys neighbors
- Can block sidewalks = you might get reported
Many cities explicitly ban putting trash out the night before. Always double-check!
Boss Fight: How to Throw Out Bulky Trash
Throwing out a bookshelf or futon? That’s “sodai gomi”—and you can’t just leave it outside.
Worse—dumping bulky trash without following the process is illegal.
You’ll need to book it, pay for it, sticker it, and then put it out.
[How to Throw Out Bulky Trash]
STEP 1｜Contact Your City (Online or by Phone)
Register your items via your city’s website or phone service.
→ Examples: “Bathroom scale,” “Vacuum,” “Folding bed”
Be patient—many of these websites are ancient and glitchy. Take a deep breath and try again.
STEP 2｜Check Fees and Pickup Date
Fees range from ¥200 to ¥2,000, based on the item.
⚠️ Warning: It might take weeks!
Especially during move-out season or New Year cleanup.
STEP 3｜Buy “Sodai Gomi Stickers” (Disposal Coupons)
Get them at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson.
Ask at the counter:
“Sodai Gomi Shori-ken A x2, B x1 please.”
Note: Usually cash only.
There are two types:
- A Coupon (¥200)
- B Coupon (¥300)
Combine to match your item’s price.
STEP 4｜Put It Out on the Right Day, in the Right Spot
Leave it in front of your home or at your apartment’s collection point.
If you miss the schedule—back to STEP 1.
Sticker Example
- Bathroom Scale (¥400) → A x2
- Small Table (¥600) → A + B
- Folding Bed (¥1,200) → B x4
Be sure to write the pickup date and either your name or application number on the sticker.
For privacy, we recommend using the application number (we do!).
⚠️ Appliances You CAN’T Throw Out as Bulky Waste
This is a big one: some items can’t be thrown out as bulky waste.
Four types are regulated under the Home Appliance Recycling Law:
4 Items You Can’t Toss as Bulky Waste:
- Fridge / Freezer
- Washing Machine / Clothes Dryer
- TV (CRT, LCD, Plasma)
- Air Conditioner
Your city won’t collect these—period.
4 Ways to Dispose of Them:
① Ask the store you bought it from
→ If buying a new one, they’ll usually take the old one (for a fee)
② Use a city-approved recycling company
→ Check your city’s website for the official list
③ Take it to a “Designated Collection Site”
→ Pay the recycling fee at a post office and bring the item yourself
④ Hire a private removal service
→ Easy, but may be expensive—watch for scams
🚨 Watch Out for Illegal Collectors!
Beware flyers and vans that say “We collect for free!”
These are often unlicensed collectors who charge outrageous fees.
Always check if the company is city-approved.
Appliance Recycling Fees (Estimates)
| Appliance | Recycling Fee (Approx.) | Pickup Fee (Extra) |
|---|---|---|
| Small TV | ¥1,870 | ¥1,500–2,500 |
| Small Fridge | ¥3,740 | Same as above |
| Washing Machine | ¥2,530 | Same as above |
※ Prices vary by brand, city, and provider
❌ Illegal Dumping = A Serious Crime
“Can I just toss it in the woods?”
Nope. That’s illegal dumping.
Punishment under Japan’s Waste Management Law:
- Individuals: Up to 5 years in prison or a ¥10 million fine
- Businesses: Up to ¥300 million in fines
And with security cameras and license plate checks, you will get caught.
So don’t risk it. Follow the proper steps and stay legal!
RAW JAPAN’s Takeaway
If you can master trash rules, you can master life in Japan.
Garbage sorting may be your “first boss fight”—but once you get the hang of it, life gets way easier.
- Sort your trash properly and follow the schedule
- Always check your local rules online or via app
- Plan ahead for bulky waste and use the right stickers
- Never dump trash illegally. Ever.
Nail these steps, and you’re officially a Japan Life Pro.
Sources
This article was compiled by RAW JAPAN based on public info from various municipalities.
Rules vary by region, so always confirm with your local city office.