Yokohama

1. Waste Categories

Yokohama has a strict waste separation system, and residents are required to sort their waste into specific categories. The main categories are:

1. Burnable Waste (燃やすごみ / Moyasu Gomi):

   • Includes: Kitchen waste, paper waste, small wooden items, rubber, leather, and small plastic items that cannot be recycled.
   • Excludes: Hazardous materials, recyclables, and oversized items.

2. Non-Burnable Waste (燃やさないごみ / Moyasanai Gomi):

   • Includes: Metal items, glass items, ceramics, and small electrical appliances.
   • Excludes: Recyclables, hazardous materials, 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 symbol.
     • Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and paper cartons (must be clean and flattened).
     • Plastic Containers and Packaging: Items with the プラ (Pura) symbol, such as food trays, plastic bags, and packaging materials.
   • Items must be rinsed and cleaned before disposal.

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, lighters, and spray cans.
   • Must be disposed of separately to prevent harm.

6. Other Special Waste:

   • Items like electronics (e.g., TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines) fall under the Home Appliance Recycling Law and require special handling.

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2. Disposal Process

The waste disposal process in Yokohama involves the following steps:

1. Sorting:

   • Carefully separate your waste into the appropriate categories.
   • Ensure recyclables are clean and dry.
   • Flatten cardboard and paper cartons, and bundle them with string.

2. Bagging:

   • Use transparent or semi-transparent bags for burnable and non-burnable waste.
   • Recyclables should be placed in designated collection bins or bundled as required.

3. Labeling Oversized Waste:

   • For oversized items, you must purchase a "Sodai Gomi Sticker" (粗大ごみ処理券) from convenience stores or designated locations. Attach the sticker to the item before collection.

4. Collection Points:

   • Place your waste at the designated collection point in your neighborhood. These are usually located near residential areas and are clearly marked.

5. Collection Times:

   • Waste must be placed at the collection point by 8:00 AM on the designated day.
   • Do not place waste out the night before, as this can attract pests or create an eyesore.

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3. Collection Schedules

• Burnable Waste: Collected twice a week.
• Non-Burnable Waste: Collected once every two weeks.
• Recyclables: Collected weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the subcategory.
• Oversized Waste: Collection must be scheduled in advance (see below).
• Hazardous Waste: Collection schedules vary; check with your local ward office.

Each neighborhood has a specific collection schedule, which is distributed in the form of a waste calendar (ごみカレンダー / Gomi Karendā). You can obtain this calendar from your local ward office or download it from the Yokohama city website.

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4. Associated Costs

• Regular waste disposal (burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables) is covered by municipal taxes, so there is no additional cost.
• Oversized Waste: Disposal requires purchasing a Sodai Gomi Sticker, which costs between ¥200 and ¥2,000, depending on the size and type of the item.
• Home Appliances: Disposal of items like TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners requires paying a recycling fee (approximately ¥1,000–¥6,000) and arranging for collection through the retailer or a designated recycling center.

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5. Local Rules and Cultural Considerations

• Cleanliness: Ensure all waste is clean and properly sorted. Dirty recyclables may be rejected.
• Community Responsibility: Waste collection points are shared spaces, so keep them tidy and follow the rules to maintain good relations with neighbors.
• Language Barriers: Waste calendars and instructions are often available in English, Chinese, and other languages to assist non-Japanese speakers.
• Punctuality: Adhering to collection times is crucial. Late or early disposal is considered disrespectful and may result in fines or complaints.

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6. Waste Disposal Facilities and Resources

If you have questions or need assistance, the following resources are available:

1. Yokohama City Website:

   • The official website provides detailed information on waste management, including downloadable waste calendars and sorting guides.
   • Website: https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp

2. Ward Offices (区役所 / Kuyakusho):

   • Each ward office has a waste management department where you can ask questions or obtain materials.
   • Example: Naka Ward Office (中区役所)
     • Address: 35 Nihonodori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0021
     • Phone: 045-224-8181

3. Oversized Waste Collection Center:

   • Phone: 045-330-3953
   • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
   • Call to schedule oversized waste collection.

4. Recycling Centers:

   • Yokohama has several recycling centers where you can drop off specific items. Check with your ward office for the nearest location.

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7. Tips for New Residents and Visitors

• Learn the Symbols: Familiarize yourself with the symbols for recyclables (e.g., プラ for plastics, ペット for PET bottles).
• Ask for Help: If you're unsure about sorting, ask a neighbor or consult your ward office.
• Participate in Community Cleanups: Many neighborhoods organize cleanup events, which are a great way to meet locals and contribute to the community.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate Yokohama's waste management system with ease and ensure you are respecting local customs and environmental practices.