Hiroshima

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Waste Management

Sections

1. Waste Categories

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

  1. Burnable Waste (Moeru Gomi)

    • Includes: Kitchen waste, paper waste, small wooden items, rubber, leather, and small amounts of plastic that cannot be recycled.
    • Excludes: Hazardous items, recyclables, and large items.

  2. Non-Burnable Waste (Moenai Gomi)

    • Includes: Ceramics, glass, metal items, and small electrical appliances.
    • Special Note: Wrap sharp objects like broken glass in paper and label them as "ๅฑ้™บ" (kiken, meaning "dangerous").

  3. Recyclable Waste (Shigen Gomi)

    • Subcategories:
      • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Rinse and remove caps/labels.
      • Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons (flatten and tie with string).
      • Plastic Containers and Packaging: Items with the "ใƒ—ใƒฉ" (pura) recycling symbol. Rinse before disposal.

  4. Oversized Waste (Sodai Gomi)

    • Includes: Furniture, large appliances, and items that do not fit in standard garbage bags.
    • Requires: Advance reservation and a disposal fee (see below for details).

  5. Hazardous Waste

    • Includes: Batteries, fluorescent tubes, lighters, and spray cans.
    • Special Note: Dispose of these items separately and follow specific instructions.

  6. Other Special Waste

    • Includes: Electronics (e.g., TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines).
    • Requires: Recycling through the store where the item was purchased or a designated collection service.

2. Sorting Rules

  • Strict Sorting: Each category must be separated and placed in the appropriate bag or container. Failure to sort properly may result in your waste not being collected.
  • Clear Bags: Use transparent or semi-transparent bags for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste. This allows collectors to verify the contents.
  • Labels: Clearly label hazardous or dangerous items to ensure safe handling.

3. Disposal Costs

  • Regular Household Waste: No additional cost for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste if disposed of correctly.
  • Oversized Waste: Requires a fee, which varies depending on the item.
    • Purchase a "Sodai Gomi Sticker" from convenience stores or supermarkets.
    • Fees typically range from ยฅ200 to ยฅ2,000 per item, depending on size and type.
  • Electronics: Recycling fees apply for large appliances, and you may need to pay a collection fee if the store does not accept the item.

4. Collection Schedules

  • Burnable Waste: Collected twice a week.
  • Non-Burnable Waste: Collected once or twice a month (check your local schedule).
  • Recyclable Waste: Collected weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the type (e.g., cans and bottles may have a different schedule from paper).
  • Oversized Waste: Collection is by appointment only.
  • Hazardous Waste: Collection schedules vary; check with your local ward office.

How to Check the Schedule:

  • Each neighborhood has a specific collection calendar. You can obtain this from your local ward office or download it from the Hiroshima City website. The calendar will indicate the exact days for each waste category.

5. Local Considerations

  • Language Barrier: Waste disposal instructions are often in Japanese. However, Hiroshima City provides multilingual guides (including English, Chinese, and Korean) to help foreigners understand the rules.
  • Community Involvement: Some neighborhoods have designated waste collection points, and residents are expected to keep these areas tidy. Be mindful of local customs and responsibilities.
  • Timing: Place your waste at the designated collection point on the morning of the collection day (usually before 8:30 AM). Do not leave waste out the night before, as it may attract pests or crows.
  • Illegal Dumping: Leaving waste in unauthorized areas or failing to follow sorting rules can result in fines or penalties.

6. Special Procedures

  • Disposing of Electronics:

    • For large appliances, contact the store where you purchased the item or arrange for collection through a designated recycling service.
    • You will need to pay a recycling fee (e.g., ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000 depending on the item) and possibly a transportation fee.

  • Medical Waste:

    • Items like syringes or medical needles must be disposed of through a medical facility or pharmacy. Do not place them in regular waste.

  • Disaster Waste:

    • In the event of a natural disaster, Hiroshima City may issue special instructions for disposing of debris or damaged items.

7. Resources for Assistance

  • Hiroshima City Website: Provides detailed waste management guides and collection schedules.
  • Ward Offices: Visit your local ward office for printed materials, guidance, or to ask questions.
  • Multilingual Support: Hiroshima City offers multilingual waste disposal guides online and at ward offices.
  • Community Leaders: In some neighborhoods, community leaders or associations can provide advice on waste disposal practices.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are disposing of waste correctly and contributing to Hiroshima's clean and sustainable environment. If you have further questions or need assistance, donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to your local ward office or consult the Hiroshima City website.