Sendai

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Recycling and Waste Management

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 (็‡ƒใ‚„ใ›ใ‚‹ใ”ใฟ / 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 (็‡ƒใ‚„ใ›ใชใ„ใ”ใฟ / Moyasenai Gomi):

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

  3. Recyclable Waste (่ณ‡ๆบใ”ใฟ / 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 ใƒ—ใƒฉ (Pura) mark, such as food trays, plastic wrappers, and shampoo bottles.
    • Recyclables are collected separately and must be cleaned before disposal.

  4. Oversized Waste (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟ / Sodai Gomi):

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

  5. Hazardous Waste (ๆœ‰ๅฎณใ”ใฟ / 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. Hereโ€™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 (ใ‚ดใƒŸ้›†็ฉๆ‰€ / Gomi Shลซseki-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 (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟๅ—ไป˜ใ‚ปใƒณใ‚ฟใƒผ) or book online to schedule a pickup.
    • Purchase a disposal sticker (็ฒ—ๅคงใ”ใฟๅ‡ฆ็†ๅˆธ / 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 ยฅ100 to ยฅ500 per pack, depending on size and quantity.
  • Oversized Waste Fees:
    • Fees vary based on the item, typically ranging from ยฅ200 to ยฅ2,000. 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 (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€ / 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 Sendaiโ€™s System

  1. Learn the Schedule: Familiarize yourself with your neighborhoodโ€™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 youโ€™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, youโ€™ll not only comply with Sendaiโ€™s waste management regulations but also contribute to the cityโ€™s efforts to maintain cleanliness and sustainability. If you need further assistance, donโ€™t hesitate to contact the Sendai City Environmental Bureau or your local ward office.