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Waste Disposal and Recycling

Instructions on how to sort and dispose of waste properly according to Sendai's recycling guidelines.

Sections

1. Overview of Waste Disposal in Sendai

Sendai City has a well-organized waste management system that categorizes waste into several types. Residents are required to sort their waste properly and dispose of it on designated collection days. The city provides detailed instructions, often in multiple languages, to help residents comply with these rules.


2. Waste Categories in Sendai

Waste in Sendai is divided into the following main categories:

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

  • Examples: Kitchen waste, paper waste, small wooden items, rubber, leather, and small plastic items that cannot be recycled.
  • Disposal: Use designated red bags (available for purchase at supermarkets and convenience stores).
  • Collection Frequency: Twice a week.

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

  • Examples: Metal items, glass, ceramics, and small electronic appliances.
  • Disposal: Use designated blue bags.
  • Collection Frequency: Twice a month.

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

Recyclables are further divided into subcategories:

  1. Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles:
    • Examples: Aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles with the PET symbol.
    • Disposal: Rinse items and remove caps and labels. Place them in transparent or semi-transparent bags.
    • Collection Frequency: Once a week.
  2. Paper and Cardboard:
    • Examples: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and paper cartons.
    • Disposal: Tie items with string into bundles. Do not use plastic bags.
    • Collection Frequency: Once a month.
  3. Plastic Containers and Packaging:
    • Examples: Plastic trays, wrappers, and packaging with the プラ (Pura) symbol.
    • Disposal: Rinse items and place them in transparent or semi-transparent bags.
    • Collection Frequency: Once a week.

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

  • Examples: Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, and lighters.
  • Disposal: Place in a transparent bag and label it as "Hazardous Waste."
  • Collection Frequency: Once a month.

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

  • Examples: Furniture, large appliances, bicycles, and other items too large to fit in standard bags.
  • Disposal Procedure:
    1. Contact the Sendai City Oversized Waste Reception Center (電話: 022-716-5301) to schedule a pickup.
    2. Purchase a Sodai Gomi sticker from a convenience store and attach it to the item.
    3. Place the item at the designated location on the scheduled day.
  • Cost: Fees vary depending on the item (typically ¥200–¥2,000).

F. Other Special Waste

  • Examples: TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and computers.
  • Disposal Procedure:
    1. These items are not collected by the city. You must arrange for disposal through the retailer where you purchased the item or a licensed recycling company.
    2. Pay the Recycling Fee (リサイクル料金) and arrange for pickup or drop-off.

3. Costs of Waste Disposal

  • Burnable and Non-Burnable Waste Bags: The cost of designated bags varies depending on size (e.g., ¥200–¥500 for a pack of 10 bags).
  • Oversized Waste: Fees depend on the item, as mentioned above.
  • Recycling Fees for Appliances: Fees for large appliances are set by the government and vary by item (e.g., ¥1,000–¥3,000).

4. Local Disposal Procedures

  1. Check the Collection Schedule:

    • Each neighborhood in Sendai has a specific collection schedule. You can find this information in the waste disposal calendar (distributed annually by the city or available online).
    • Ensure you place your waste at the designated collection point by 8:30 AM on the correct day.
  2. Use Designated Bags:

    • Only use the official bags for burnable and non-burnable waste. These are available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and home improvement stores.
  3. Prepare Waste Properly:

    • Rinse recyclables to remove food residue.
    • Flatten cardboard boxes and tie them with string.
    • Remove caps and labels from PET bottles.
  4. Follow Size and Weight Limits:

    • Bags should not exceed the weight limit (usually around 5–10 kg).
    • Oversized items require special arrangements.

5. Recycling Facilities in Sendai

If you have large quantities of recyclables or special items, you can take them directly to recycling facilities. Some key facilities include:

  • Sendai City Recycling Plaza (仙台市リサイクルプラザ):

    • Location: 〒983-0034 宮城県仙台市宮城野区扇町3丁目7-1
    • Services: Accepts recyclables, hazardous waste, and some oversized items.
    • Hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed on Sundays and holidays).
  • Eco-Stations:

    • Located throughout the city, these stations accept specific recyclables like PET bottles and cans.

6. Cultural and Practical Tips

  1. Respect the Rules:

    • Waste disposal is taken very seriously in Japan. Improper sorting or disposal can result in your waste being left uncollected, and you may receive a warning from your neighborhood association.
  2. Learn the Symbols:

    • Familiarize yourself with the symbols for recyclable plastics (プラ), PET bottles, and other materials.
  3. Participate in Community Cleanups:

    • Many neighborhoods organize regular cleanups. Participating is a great way to integrate into the community and show respect for local customs.
  4. Be Punctual:

    • Always place your waste out on the morning of the collection day, not the night before, to avoid attracting pests.
  5. Ask for Help:

    • If you’re unsure about sorting or disposal, ask your landlord, neighbors, or the local ward office. Many resources are available in English and other languages.

7. Resources for Assistance

  • Sendai City Waste Management Division:
  • Multilingual Support:
    • The Sendai International Relations Association (SIRA) offers multilingual guides and assistance for foreign residents.

By following these guidelines and respecting local customs, you’ll find it easy to adapt to Sendai’s waste disposal system. Proper waste management is not only a legal obligation but also a way to contribute to the community and environment.