Kobe

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Waste Management

Guidance on sorting and disposing of garbage and recycling in Kobe.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Kobe

Kobe's waste management system requires residents to sort their waste into specific categories. The main categories are:

  1. Burnable Waste (燃えるごみ / 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 (燃えないごみ / Moenai Gomi)

    • Includes: Ceramics, glass, metal items, and small electronic appliances.
    • Excludes: Recyclables, hazardous waste, and oversized items.

  3. Recyclable Waste (資源ごみ / Shigen Gomi)

    • Subcategories:
      • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles with the PET mark.
      • Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons (must be clean and flattened).
      • Plastic Containers and Packaging: Items with the プラ (Pura) mark, such as food trays, plastic bags, and packaging materials.

  4. Oversized Waste (粗大ごみ / Sodai Gomi)

    • Includes: Furniture, large appliances, and other items that do not fit into standard garbage bags.
    • Requires a special disposal process (see below).

  5. Hazardous Waste (有害ごみ / Yuugai Gomi)

    • Includes: Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, and lighters.
    • Must be disposed of separately to prevent harm.

  6. Other Special Waste

    • Includes: Items like used cooking oil, medical waste, and construction debris.
    • Requires specific instructions from the local ward office.

2. Sorting and Disposal Procedures

Proper sorting and disposal are critical in Kobe. Here’s how to handle each category:

Burnable Waste

  • Use designated red bags (available for purchase at supermarkets and convenience stores).
  • Remove excess liquid from kitchen waste to prevent leakage.
  • Place the bag at the designated collection point by 8:30 AM on the assigned collection day.

Non-Burnable Waste

  • Use designated blue bags (also available for purchase).
  • Wrap sharp objects like broken glass in paper and label them to prevent injuries.
  • Place the bag at the collection point by 8:30 AM on the assigned day.

Recyclable Waste

  • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Rinse thoroughly and remove caps and labels from PET bottles.
  • Paper: Tie newspapers, magazines, and cardboard into bundles with string.
  • Plastic Containers and Packaging: Rinse and dry before placing them in the designated bag.
  • Place recyclables in the appropriate bins or collection points on the assigned day.

Oversized Waste

  • Contact the Kobe City Oversized Waste Collection Center (粗大ごみ受付センター) to schedule a pickup.
  • Purchase a disposal ticket (粗大ごみ処理券 / Sodai Gomi Shoriken) from a convenience store and attach it to the item.
  • Fees vary depending on the size and type of the item (see Fees section below).

Hazardous Waste

  • Place items like batteries and fluorescent bulbs in a transparent bag and label them.
  • Drop them off at designated collection points or follow specific instructions from the ward office.

3. Collection Schedules

  • Burnable Waste: Collected twice a week.
  • Non-Burnable Waste: Collected once every two weeks.
  • Recyclable Waste:
    • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Collected once a week.
    • Paper and Plastic Containers: Collected once a week.
  • Oversized Waste: Collection is by appointment only.
  • Hazardous Waste: Collection schedules vary; check with your local ward office.

Each neighborhood has a specific collection schedule, which is distributed in a waste management calendar (ごみ収集カレンダー / Gomi Shuushuu Karendaa). You can obtain this calendar from your local ward office or download it from the Kobe City website.

4. Fees

  • Standard Waste Bags:
    • Red and blue bags for burnable and non-burnable waste must be purchased. Prices vary depending on the size of the bag.
  • Oversized Waste:
    • Fees range from 200 to 2,000 yen per item, depending on size and type.
    • Disposal tickets can be purchased at convenience stores.
  • Special Waste: Fees for items like construction debris or medical waste depend on the type and quantity. Contact the ward office for details.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Community Responsibility: Waste management in Japan is a community effort. Residents are expected to follow the rules strictly to maintain cleanliness and order. Improper disposal can lead to complaints from neighbors.
  • Cleanliness: Always rinse recyclables like bottles and containers to prevent odors and pests.
  • Language Barriers: Waste disposal instructions are often in Japanese. However, Kobe City provides multilingual guides (including English, Chinese, and Korean) to help foreigners understand the system.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: During holidays like New Year’s, collection schedules may change. Check the waste management calendar for updates.
  • Respect for Public Spaces: Avoid leaving waste outside collection points or on non-collection days, as this is considered disrespectful.

6. Additional Resources

  • Kobe City Waste Management Website: Provides detailed information, downloadable calendars, and multilingual guides.
  • Ward Offices (区役所 / Kuyakusho): Offer assistance and information on waste disposal procedures.
  • Kobe City Oversized Waste Collection Center: Call to schedule pickups for large items.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Kobe’s clean and sustainable environment while respecting local customs and regulations. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!