The main types
Most cities separate burnable garbage (kanen gomi, such as food waste and paper), non-burnable garbage (funen gomi, such as metal, ceramics and small appliances), and recyclables: plastic containers and packaging, PET bottles, cans, glass bottles, and paper and cardboard. Exact categories differ a lot between cities.
Collection days
Each type has its own day at your local collection point, usually on set weekdays. Put garbage out on the morning of collection, by the time your city sets, often 8:00 or 8:30, and not the night before. Your city office gives you a calendar when you register, and many cities have an app with reminders in English.
Bags and preparation
Many cities require designated bags sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, and the price includes the collection fee. Others, such as the Tokyo wards, accept clear or semi-clear bags. Rinse containers, remove caps and labels from PET bottles, and flatten cardboard.
Large items and appliances
Furniture and other large items (sodai gomi) need a booked collection. You book online or by phone, buy a sticker at a convenience store and put the item out on the day. Air conditioners, TVs, fridges, freezers, washing machines and dryers cannot go in city collection: by law, the shop or a licensed collector takes them back for a recycling fee.
Tips
- Ask your landlord or building manager for the local garbage rules on moving-in day. Large buildings sometimes have their own collection room.
- Download your city's garbage app or English garbage guide. Search for your city name and "gomi".
- If a bag is left behind with a sticker, read it: it says what was wrong. Take the bag back and sort it again.
Words you will see
- 可燃ごみ・燃えるごみ kanen gomi / moeru gomi
- burnable garbage
- 不燃ごみ・燃えないごみ funen gomi / moenai gomi
- non-burnable garbage
- 資源ごみ shigen gomi
- recyclables
- 粗大ごみ sodai gomi
- oversized garbage
- 指定袋 shitei bukuro
- designated garbage bag
- ごみ収集日 gomi shūshūbi
- collection day
Rules vary by city. The Home Appliance Recycling Act covers the appliances listed above. Rules and fees can change and vary by city. Check with your city office or the official service before you go.