Sendai

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Recycling and Waste Management

An organized system for disposing of and recycling waste, vital to maintaining cleanliness in the city.

Sections

1. Categories of Waste in Sendai

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

  1. Burnable Waste (燃やせるごみ / Moyaseru Gomi):

    • Includes kitchen waste, paper waste, small wooden items, and other combustible materials.
    • Must be placed in designated yellow bags.

  2. Non-Burnable Waste (燃やせないごみ / Moyasenai Gomi):

    • Includes ceramics, glass, metal items, and other non-combustible materials.
    • Must be placed in designated green bags.

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

    • Subcategories include:
      • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles with the PET mark.
      • Paper Waste: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons (must be flattened and tied with string).
      • Plastic Containers and Packaging: Items with the プラ (Pura) mark, such as food trays, plastic wrappers, and shampoo bottles.
    • Recyclables are collected separately and must be cleaned before disposal.

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

    • Includes large items like furniture, appliances, and bicycles.
    • Requires a special arrangement for collection and a disposal fee.

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

    • Includes batteries, fluorescent tubes, lighters, and small electronics.
    • Must be disposed of at designated collection points or on specific collection days.

  6. Other Specific Waste:

    • Food Oil: Must be solidified or absorbed into paper before disposal as burnable waste.
    • Medical Waste: Needles and syringes must be returned to medical facilities.

2. Sorting Procedures

Proper sorting is crucial in Sendai. Here are the key steps:

  • Check the Waste Category: Refer to the Sendai City Waste Separation Guide (available in multiple languages, including English).
  • Clean and Prepare Items: Rinse recyclables like cans, bottles, and PET bottles to remove food or drink residue.
  • Use Designated Bags: Purchase official Sendai City garbage bags (yellow for burnable, green for non-burnable) from supermarkets or convenience stores.
  • Bundle Paper Waste: Tie newspapers, magazines, and cardboard with string. Do not use plastic bags for paper waste.
  • Label Oversized Waste: Attach a sticker (available for purchase) indicating the disposal fee and collection date.

3. Waste Collection System

Sendai operates a scheduled collection system. Each neighborhood has specific collection days for different types of waste. Here’s how it works:

  • Collection Days:

    • Burnable waste: Collected twice a week.
    • Non-burnable waste: Collected once a month.
    • Recyclables: Collected on specific days (e.g., once a week for cans and bottles, once a month for paper waste).
    • Oversized waste: Requires advance booking and is collected on designated days.

  • Collection Points:

    • Waste must be placed at the designated neighborhood collection point (ゴミ集積所 / Gomi Shūseki-sho) by 8:30 AM on the collection day.
    • Do not place waste out the night before, as this can attract crows and other animals.

  • Oversized Waste Collection:

    • Call the Sendai City Oversized Waste Center (粗大ごみ受付センター) or book online to schedule a pickup.
    • Purchase a disposal sticker (粗大ごみ処理券 / Sodai Gomi Shori Ken) from convenience stores and attach it to the item.

4. Associated Costs

  • Designated Garbage Bags:
    • Yellow and green bags must be purchased and are available in various sizes. Prices range from ¥100 to ¥500 per pack, depending on size and quantity.
  • Oversized Waste Fees:
    • Fees vary based on the item, typically ranging from ¥200 to ¥2,000. Check the fee chart provided by the city.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Community Responsibility: Proper waste disposal is seen as a shared responsibility. Neighbors may remind you if you make mistakes, so be open to feedback.
  • Respect for Rules: Following the waste management rules is a sign of respect for the community and the environment.
  • Avoid Overloading Collection Points: Ensure your waste is manageable and neatly placed to avoid inconveniencing others.

6. Tools and Resources

  • Sendai City Waste Separation Guide:
    • Available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. You can download it from the Sendai City website or pick up a copy at the ward office.
  • Sendai City Official App:
    • The app provides reminders for collection days, sorting instructions, and a search function for specific items.
  • Ward Offices (区役所 / Kuyakusho):
    • Staff can assist with questions about waste disposal and provide additional resources.
  • Recycling Centers:
    • Some items, like electronics, can be taken to designated recycling centers. Check with the city for locations.

7. Tips for Adapting to Sendai’s System

  1. Learn the Schedule: Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood’s collection calendar. Post it in a visible spot at home.
  2. Stock Up on Bags: Always have a supply of designated garbage bags to avoid last-minute issues.
  3. Clean Recyclables: Rinse cans, bottles, and plastics to prevent odors and pests.
  4. Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about sorting, ask neighbors or consult the city guide.
  5. Be Punctual: Place waste at the collection point on the morning of the designated day, not earlier or later.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only comply with Sendai’s waste management regulations but also contribute to the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and sustainability. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the Sendai City Environmental Bureau or your local ward office.