Garbage and recycling in Japan

Local guidance may separate burnable, non-burnable, recyclable containers, bottles, cans, paper and large items. The collection day and bag or tying rules are specific to the address, not just to Tokyo as a whole.

Start with the guide for your ward or city, then check the collection point for your building. A nearby address can have a different day, category or collection point, so do not rely on a neighbour's schedule alone.

• Check the municipal guide and collection calendar for the exact address.
• Wash and separate containers as the local instructions describe.
• Ask the landlord or management company where and when residents put garbage out, including the permitted time.
• Use the bags, labels or tying method required by the local guide.

Furniture, appliances and moving boxes may follow different collection or disposal routes. Large-item collection may require a reservation and payment in advance, while some appliances are handled through a separate recycling route. Do not leave them beside the regular bins without checking the local process first.

Moving boxes may be accepted with paper recycling, collected on a different day or refused if they are wet or tied incorrectly. Flatten them only if the local guide permits it, and arrange large-item collection before the moving company leaves.

Do not guess from the colour or material alone. Search the municipality's guide for the item name, or ask the building manager where residents put it. If the guide says to reserve collection, keep the reservation number and collection date with your moving records.