Japan’s complicated rules for trash disposal can often baffle new foreign residents. However, they are not in place without reason. Japan recycles over 85 percent of its plastic waste, ranking it second in the world for plastics management.
In this day and age, when sustainability is the name of the game in product and waste management, every little bit helps in the pursuit of waste reduction. Follow these waste-management tips for trouble-free trash disposal and an eco-friendly home in Japan.
Many home centers sell trash-can sets, ranging from sleek wall units with separate sections for each type of trash to simple stacked bins, all of which are perfect for use in Japan’s complex disposal system. Most people find that three medium-to-large trash cans work best: one for plastics, one for burnables, and one for recyclables.
Many Japanese people keep food scraps separate, then wrap them in newspaper or put them in a small bag before disposing of them in burnable trash. This is particularly important during Japan’s hot summer, when garbage can quickly decompose and start to smell, which can attract insects into the house. In the interest of sustainability, try composting. Plenty of composting machines are sold online and are compact enough to fit easily and remain unnoticed in even the smallest of Japanese apartments.
Although tap water in Japan is safe to drink, many people still buy bottled water. Reduce plastic waste by using a faucet-mounted water filter for drinking water in your home. If you prefer soda, try a soda maker. Both gadgets are widely available online or in Japanese home centers. Cutting down the volume of your plastic-bottle trash has never been so easy!
Nowadays, there are numerous eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic products. Instead of plastic wrap, use beeswax wraps or store food in glass or plastic containers with lids. Carry a reusable water bottle and a set of reusable chopsticks or flatware. Instead of putting items in a plastic bag, why not try wrapping them in a traditional Japanese furoshiki (fabric wrapping)? Living sustainably allows you to get creative and have fun.
Even with all these tips, managing trash disposal in a small living space can be hard, and your home can soon become cluttered and disorganized. Kurashinity’s premium housekeeping services will ensure that your home stays clean, fresh, and tidy. Our fluent English-speaking staff are expertly trained in luxury Japanese hospitality and cleaning. They will make sure your house is sparkling clean from top to bottom, using eco-friendly products if you wish.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jessica is a writer and translator now living happily by the sea just south of Tokyo in Kamakura, Japan.
