Sapporo

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ

Waste Management

Guidance on trash sorting, recycling policies, and waste pickup schedules in Sapporo.

Sections

1. Garbage Separation Categories

In Sapporo, waste is meticulously separated into specific categories to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. The main categories are:

A. Burnable Garbage (็‡ƒใ‚„ใ›ใ‚‹ใ”ใฟ / Moyaseru Gomi)

  • Examples: Food scraps, paper waste, small wooden items, rubber, leather, and small amounts of plastic that cannot be recycled.
  • Disposal: Use designated transparent or semi-transparent plastic bags.

B. Non-Burnable Garbage (็‡ƒใ‚„ใ›ใชใ„ใ”ใฟ / Moyasenai Gomi)

  • Examples: Metal items, glass, ceramics, small appliances, and items that cannot be incinerated.
  • Disposal: Use designated transparent or semi-transparent plastic bags.

C. Recyclable Garbage (่ณ‡ๆบใ”ใฟ / Shigen Gomi)

This category is further divided into subcategories:

  1. Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles:
    • Examples: Aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles with the PET symbol.
    • Preparation: Rinse thoroughly and remove caps and labels from PET bottles.
  2. Paper:
    • Examples: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons.
    • Preparation: Tie paper items with string into bundles.
  3. Plastic Containers and Packaging:
    • Examples: Plastic trays, wrappers, and containers with the ใƒ—ใƒฉ (Pura) symbol.
    • Preparation: Rinse and clean before disposal.

D. Oversized Garbage (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟ / Sodai Gomi)

  • Examples: Furniture, large appliances, bicycles, and other items that do not fit in standard garbage bags.
  • Disposal: Requires a special arrangement (see below for details).

E. Hazardous Waste

  • Examples: Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, spray cans, and lighters.
  • Preparation: Dispose of separately in designated collection points or follow specific instructions.

2. Collection Schedules

  • Burnable Garbage: Collected twice a week.
  • Non-Burnable Garbage: Collected once every two weeks.
  • Recyclable Garbage: Collected weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the subcategory.
  • Oversized Garbage: Requires a reservation for pickup (not part of the regular schedule).

Each neighborhood in Sapporo has a specific collection schedule, which is detailed in the local waste management calendar (ใ”ใฟๅŽ้›†ใ‚ซใƒฌใƒณใƒ€ใƒผ / Gomi Shลซshลซ Karendฤ). This calendar is distributed annually to residents and is also available online or at the ward office.

3. Disposal Procedures

  1. Obtain Designated Garbage Bags:

    • Sapporo requires the use of specific garbage bags for burnable and non-burnable waste. These bags are sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retailers.
    • The bags are color-coded and labeled for their respective categories.

  2. Prepare Garbage Properly:

    • Sort waste into the correct category.
    • Clean and rinse recyclable items to prevent odors and contamination.
    • Tie paper recyclables into bundles and flatten cardboard boxes.

  3. Place Garbage at the Designated Collection Point:

    • Garbage must be placed at the designated collection point (usually near your residence) by 8:30 AM on the collection day.
    • Do not place garbage out the night before, as it may attract animals or create a mess.

  4. Oversized Garbage:

    • For oversized items, contact the Sapporo City Oversized Garbage Center (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟๅ—ไป˜ใ‚ปใƒณใ‚ฟใƒผ / Sodai Gomi Uketsuke Sentฤ) to schedule a pickup.
    • You will need to purchase a "Sodai Gomi Sticker" (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟใ‚ทใƒผใƒซ) from a convenience store and attach it to the item before disposal.

4. Associated Costs

  • Designated Garbage Bags: The cost of garbage bags varies depending on size and quantity. For example:
    • Small bags (10 liters): ~ยฅ200-ยฅ300 for a pack of 10.
    • Medium bags (20 liters): ~ยฅ300-ยฅ400 for a pack of 10.
    • Large bags (40 liters): ~ยฅ500-ยฅ600 for a pack of 10.
  • Oversized Garbage: The cost of disposal depends on the item. Fees typically range from ยฅ200 to ยฅ2,000 per item, depending on size and type.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Respect for Rules: Waste management is taken very seriously in Japan. Following the rules is not only a legal obligation but also a sign of respect for the community.
  • Community Responsibility: In some neighborhoods, residents take turns managing the collection point to ensure it remains clean and organized.
  • Cleanliness: Always rinse recyclables and avoid leaving waste that could attract pests or create unpleasant odors.
  • Social Norms: Improper disposal may lead to complaints from neighbors or even public notices posted at the collection point.

6. Additional Resources

  • Sapporo City Waste Management Website: The official website provides detailed information, including downloadable waste separation guides and collection calendars.
  • Ward Offices (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€ / Kuyakusho): Local ward offices can provide assistance, including printed materials in multiple languages.
  • Multilingual Support: Sapporo offers waste management guides in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages to help non-Japanese speakers.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Sapporo's clean and sustainable environment while integrating smoothly into the local community. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!