Complete Guide to Garbage Disposal in Japan: Tokyo Recycling Rules and Waste Disposal (2025)

Sort garbage in Tokyo can feel overwhelming for newcomers. With rules about burnable vs. non-burnable, specific pickup days, and strict recycling laws, it's easy to get confused. The good news: once you learn the basics, managing waste disposal becomes routine. This complete guide will walk you through how to dispose of garbage in Japan – from decoding Japanese recycling rules to mastering the garbage disposal system in Tokyo for 2025 – so you can keep your home clean and your neighborhood happy.

Quick Facts Box

Burnable vs. Non-Burnable: In Tokyo's 23 wards, burnable garbage (燃やすごみ) is typically collected twice a week, while non-burnable waste (燃やさないごみ) is collected about twice a month. Check your ward's collection schedule for the exact days.

Transparent Bags Only: You do not need to buy special city bags in Tokyo's 23 wards – any transparent or semi-transparent garbage bag is fine. Opaque or black bags are not accepted, since collectors must see contents.

PET Bottles & Recyclables: Plastic bottles (PET) are recycled separately. Remove caps (and labels, if required) and rinse. Cans, glass bottles, and paper are collected on designated recycling days (usually weekly or bi-weekly).

Oversized Items: Large items over ~30 cm (furniture, bikes, mattresses) are not picked up with regular trash. You must schedule a bulky waste (粗大ごみ) pickup and pay a fee (about ¥400–¥3,200 per item).

Garbage Pickup Times: Trash is collected in the morning. Always put your garbage at the designated collection point by 8:00 a.m. on collection day. Never leave it out the night before (to avoid crows and pests).

Main Categories of Garbage Disposal in Tokyo

Tokyo's waste is separated into several main categories. While exact rules can vary by ward, the main categories across the city include:

Category	Description & Examples
Burnable (可燃ごみ)	Kitchen scraps, food waste, soiled paper, wood scrap, leather, rubber, and most small plastic items. These are incinerated. Example: banana peels, chipped dishes, dirty napkins, plastic wrappers (if not recycled).
Non-Burnable (不燃ごみ)	Metal, glass, ceramics, and items that do not burn. Example: cookware, broken glass (wrap and label "危険" for danger), light bulbs, batteries, small electronics (if no special collection). Collected less frequently.
Recyclables (資源ごみ)	Items to be recycled as resources. Sub-divided into: Paper (newspapers, magazines, cardboard – tied in bundles), Bottles & Cans (glass bottles, aluminum/steel cans – rinse lightly), Pet bottles (caps off, rinse), Container Plastics (♻️プラ logo). Check your ward's guide for specific sorting.
Oversized (粗大ごみ)	Large household items generally over 30 cm or heavier than ~2 kg. Example: furniture, futons, bicycles, appliances. Requires special disposal: make a reservation with the ward's bulk waste service and purchase a disposal sticker (fee).

Key Japanese Recycling and Garbage Disposal Rules to Know

Tokyo has some important disposal rules (and strict penalties) regarding garbage disposal. Understanding these will save you from common mistakes:

• Use Clear Bags – No Opaque Bags: Tokyo's 23 wards do not have a paid garbage bag system. You can use any store-bought trash bag as long as it is transparent or semi-transparent. Opaque or black bags may be left uncollected.

• Follow the Collection Schedule: Each ward (区) sets specific days for each type of waste disposal. Garbage must be out by 8:00 a.m. on the correct collection day. Do not put your garbage out the night before or on the wrong day.

• Proper Disposal is Mandatory: Garbage that is not sorted correctly can be rejected and left behind with a note. Always separate items according to your ward's disposal rules.

• Beware of Illegal Dumping (It's a Crime): Unauthorized dumping is a criminal offense under Japan's Waste Management Law, punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a ¥10 million fine.

• Use Multilingual Resources: Many ward offices publish sorting guides in multiple languages. Some wards also offer smartphone apps where you can search for disposal methods.
  

Area-Specific Differences in Tokyo Garbage Collection

Garbage disposal rules can vary by ward:

• Plastic Recycling vs. Incineration: Some wards separate plastic packaging as a resource category, while others treat most plastics as burnable.

• Handling of Hazardous Items: Wards differ on how they collect batteries, spray cans, and small electronics—some include them with recyclables, others treat them as non-burnable with labeling requirements.

• Collection Schedule: Burnable waste is usually collected twice a week; non-burnable frequency varies by ward (once to twice a month).

Always check your ward's official guide for details.

How to Dispose of Oversized Garbage in Japan

1. Determine if it's Oversized: Anything over ~30 cm on a side is considered 粗大ごみ (chairs, tables, bookcases, futons).
2. Book a Pickup: Contact your ward's Bulky Waste Reception Center by phone or online reservation form.
3. Buy the Disposal Tickets: Purchase 粗大ごみ処理券 (stickers) at convenience stores or post offices; fees range from about ¥200 to ¥3,000+.
4. Prep for Pickup Day: Attach stickers visibly to each item and place them curbside by 8 a.m. on the scheduled day.
5. Appliance and Electronics: TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines must be recycled under the Home Appliance Recycling Law.
6. Alternatives – Reuse: If items are in usable condition, consider reuse programs or selling/giving them away through local NPOs or online marketplaces.
   

Where to Get Help with Garbage Disposal Living in Tokyo

• Ward Office Garbage Section: Visit or call your ward's waste management department for pamphlets and guidance.
• Official Ward Websites: Download the ごみの分け方・出し方 PDF guides (look for the latest year).
• Tokyo Multilingual Living Guide: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government portal provides general info on waste disposal.
• Mobile Apps: Some wards offer apps that let you look up disposal methods and set collection reminders.
• Community Resources: Check sorting posters in your building’s trash area or ask neighbors and your landlord for tips.

Timeline for Newcomers: Sort Garbage in Japan

Day 1–3: Learn your ward’s rules; download or pick up the separation guide.
Day 4–7: Set up at least three bins at home (burnable, recyclables, non-burnable) and stock transparent garbage bags.
Week 2 (Day 8–14): First collection day—observe neighbors and follow the rules.
Week 3 (Day 15–21): Fine-tune your sorting habits; bundle cardboard and handle non-burnables properly.
Week 4 (Day 22–30): Schedule bulky waste pickup for any large items and dispose of hazardous waste.

FAQ: Garbage Disposal System in Tokyo

Q: Do I need to buy special garbage bags for Tokyo trash?
A: No. Tokyo’s 23 wards accept any transparent or semi-transparent bag.

Q: How do I dispose of old appliances like a TV or fridge?
A: These must be handled under the Home Appliance Recycling Law through retailers or designated collection.

Q: What if I put out trash on the wrong day or miss the pickup?
A: The sanitation crew won’t collect it—bring it back inside and wait for the next scheduled day.

Q: Are recycling rules the same across all of Tokyo?
A: No. Each ward has its own categories, schedules, and sorting rules.

Q: How can I find my neighborhood’s garbage collection schedule?
A: Check your ward’s annual collection calendar (収集カレンダー) available online or in print at the ward office.