Fukuoka

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Trash and Recycling

Guidelines and schedules for waste disposal and recycling in Fukuoka City.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste in Fukuoka

In Fukuoka, waste is divided into several categories, and each type must be disposed of separately. The main categories are:

A. Burnable Waste (燃えるゴミ / Moeru Gomi)

  • Examples: Kitchen waste, paper, small wooden items, rubber, leather, and small plastic items that cannot be recycled.
  • Disposal: Use designated red or pink plastic bags (available for purchase at supermarkets and convenience stores).
  • Collection Frequency: Twice a week.

B. Non-Burnable Waste (燃えないゴミ / Moenai Gomi)

  • Examples: Glass, ceramics, metal items, small appliances, and other non-combustible items.
  • Disposal: Use designated blue plastic bags.
  • Collection Frequency: Once a month.

C. Recyclable Waste (資源ゴミ / Shigen Gomi)

Recyclables are further divided into subcategories:

  1. Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles:
    • Examples: Aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles with the PET symbol.
    • Disposal: Rinse items and remove caps and labels. Place them in clear plastic bags.
    • Collection Frequency: Once a week.
  2. Paper and Cardboard:
    • Examples: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and milk cartons.
    • Disposal: Tie them with string into bundles.
    • Collection Frequency: Once a week (on a different day from cans and bottles).

D. Oversized Waste (粗大ゴミ / Sodai Gomi)

  • Examples: Furniture, large appliances, bicycles, and other items that do not fit in standard garbage bags.
  • Disposal: Requires a reservation and a fee (see below for details).
  • Collection Frequency: By appointment only.

E. Hazardous Waste

  • Examples: Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, lighters, and spray cans.
  • Disposal: Place in designated collection points or follow specific instructions provided by the city.

2. Collection Schedules

  • Burnable Waste: Collected twice a week. The specific days depend on your neighborhood. Check the Fukuoka City website or your local ward office for the schedule.
  • Non-Burnable Waste: Collected once a month. The date is also neighborhood-specific.
  • Recyclables: Cans, bottles, and PET bottles are collected weekly, while paper and cardboard are collected weekly on a different day.
  • Oversized Waste: Requires a reservation (see below).

Tip: You will receive a waste collection calendar when you register your address at the ward office. This calendar is color-coded and shows the exact collection days for your area.

3. Costs Involved

  • Standard Waste Bags:
    • Burnable and non-burnable waste must be placed in official Fukuoka City garbage bags, which are sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, and home improvement stores.
    • Prices vary depending on the size of the bag:
      • Small (5 liters): ~¥200 for a pack of 10.
      • Medium (10 liters): ~¥400 for a pack of 10.
      • Large (20 liters): ~¥800 for a pack of 10.
  • Oversized Waste:
    • Disposal of oversized items requires purchasing a "Sodai Gomi Sticker" (粗大ごみシール), which costs between ¥200 and ¥1,000 per item, depending on the size and type of the item.
    • Stickers are available at convenience stores and supermarkets.

4. Proper Procedures for Disposal

  1. Burnable and Non-Burnable Waste:

    • Place waste in the designated bags.
    • Ensure bags are securely tied to prevent spillage.
    • Place the bags at the designated collection point (usually near your residence) by 8:30 AM on the collection day.

  2. Recyclables:

    • Rinse cans, bottles, and PET bottles to remove residue.
    • Remove caps and labels from PET bottles.
    • Bundle paper and cardboard neatly with string.
    • Place items at the designated collection point by 8:30 AM on the collection day.

  3. Oversized Waste:

    • Call the Fukuoka City Oversized Waste Center (092-731-1153) or make a reservation online (available in Japanese).
    • Provide details about the item(s) and your address.
    • Purchase the appropriate Sodai Gomi Sticker and attach it to the item.
    • Place the item at the designated location on the agreed-upon date.

  4. Hazardous Waste:

    • Follow specific instructions provided by the city or your local ward office.
    • Some items, like batteries, can be returned to electronics stores for recycling.

5. Relevant Local Sites and Resources

  • Fukuoka City Website: The official website provides detailed information about waste disposal, including schedules and procedures. (https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/)
  • Ward Offices (区役所 / Kuyakusho): Visit your local ward office for assistance with waste disposal, including obtaining collection calendars and guidance on oversized waste.
  • Recycling Centers: Fukuoka has several recycling centers where you can drop off certain items. Check the city website for locations and accepted materials.

6. Cultural Practices and Tips

  • Be Punctual: Garbage must be placed at the collection point on the morning of the collection day (not the night before) to avoid fines or complaints from neighbors.
  • Respect the Rules: Improper disposal (e.g., using the wrong bags or mixing waste types) can result in your garbage not being collected and may lead to fines.
  • Community Involvement: In some neighborhoods, residents take turns cleaning the collection point. Participating in these activities is a good way to integrate into the community.
  • Language Barrier: If you don’t speak Japanese, consider asking a neighbor or a friend to help you understand the waste disposal rules. Many ward offices also provide multilingual support.

7. Summary Checklist

  • ✅ Purchase official Fukuoka City garbage bags for burnable and non-burnable waste.
  • ✅ Separate waste into the correct categories.
  • ✅ Check your neighborhood’s collection schedule.
  • ✅ Place waste at the designated collection point by 8:30 AM on the correct day.
  • ✅ For oversized waste, make a reservation and purchase a Sodai Gomi Sticker.
  • ✅ Follow recycling guidelines (rinse items, remove caps/labels, bundle paper).

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only comply with Fukuoka’s waste management system but also contribute to the city’s clean and sustainable environment. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!