Community board

If you're living in Japan, you've probably realized by now that throwing away trash isn't as simple as it seems. Each city and ward has its own rules, symbols, and collection days — and not following them can result in your trash being left behind with a warning sticker 🟡.

Here’s a quick guide to help you survive Japan's complex garbage system:

🗑️ Main Trash Categories:

1. Burnable (可燃ごみ / もえるごみ) – Food waste, tissues, wood items, etc.

2. Non-Burnable (不燃ごみ / もえないごみ) – Metal, glass, ceramics, etc.

3. Plastic Packaging (プラ) – Marked with the プラ symbol (e.g., trays, wrappers)

4. PET Bottles (ペットボトル) – Bottles only! Remove caps & labels

5. Cans/Bottles (缶・瓶) – Separate day for collection

6. Oversized Trash (粗大ごみ) – Requires a special sticker and reservation

🧾 Must-Know Tips:

• 🗓️ Check your local garbage calendar – It’s usually distributed by the city office or available online (search with your address + ごみ カレンダー).

• ♻️ Look for labels like プラ, ペット, 紙, 缶 — they show how to sort each item.

• ❌ Do NOT mix categories — even a small mistake can cause your trash to be rejected.

• 📦 Amazon & appliance boxes must be folded, tied with string, and placed on cardboard collection day.

📱 Bonus Tools:

• Use apps like "さんあーる" (San-Aru) or "Gomi Navi" to search disposal rules by item name.

• Ask at your local 市役所 (city office) for a multilingual trash guide!