How to Sort Rubbish in Japan: Categories, Rules and Phrases
In Japan, household rubbish is sorted into categories such as burnable, non-burnable, recyclables and oversized items, and each type is collected on set days, usually by 8 a.m., at a shared collection point. The exact categories, days and bags depend on your city or ward, so the first thing to do after moving in is to get your local rubbish guide and collection calendar from the ward office, your landlord or the city website. Getting it right matters: wrongly sorted bags are often left behind with a sticker, and it’s one of the quickest ways to upset neighbours.
The usual categories
| Category | Japanese | Typical items |
|---|---|---|
| Burnable | 燃えるごみ / 可燃ごみ | Food waste, paper scraps, tissues; in many cities also some plastics |
| Non-burnable | 燃えないごみ / 不燃ごみ | Broken glass and ceramics, small metal items, some small appliances |
| Plastic packaging | プラスチック / 容器包装プラ | Items marked プラ: trays, bags, wrappers (rinsed) |
| Recyclables | 資源ごみ | Cans, glass bottles, PET bottles (ペットボトル), newspapers, cardboard |
| Oversized | 粗大ごみ | Furniture, bicycles, large items; booked in advance with a paid sticker |
Large appliances such as TVs, fridges, washing machines and air conditioners usually can’t go out as oversized rubbish and are handled through the shop or a recycling scheme. Ask your city how it works.
Rules that catch newcomers
- Day and time. Put rubbish out on the morning of its collection day, not the night before, unless your area allows it.
- Designated bags. Some cities require official bags (指定袋) sold at supermarkets and convenience stores; others just need clear or semi-clear bags.
- PET bottles. Remove the cap and label, rinse, and often squash. Caps and labels usually go with plastics.
- Rinse containers. Plastic trays and cans should be clean.
- Write your name. Some areas ask you to write your name or room number on bags.
- Apartment rules. Many buildings have their own rubbish room and rules; your landlord or management company can explain. See renting an apartment in Japan.
Useful phrases
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 燃えるごみの日はいつですか。 | moeru gomi no hi wa itsu desu ka. | Which day is burnable rubbish collected? |
| これは何ごみですか。 | kore wa nani gomi desu ka. | Which type of rubbish is this? |
| ごみ置き場はどこですか。 | gomi okiba wa doko desu ka. | Where is the rubbish collection point? |
| 粗大ごみを出したいんですが。 | sodai gomi o dashitai n desu ga. | I’d like to put out some oversized rubbish. (when calling to book) |
| 英語のごみの分け方の案内はありますか。 | eigo no gomi no wakekata no annai wa arimasu ka. | Do you have a rubbish sorting guide in English? |
Many cities publish English guides and some have sorting apps. The ward office is a good place to ask when you register your address. See Japanese at the ward office.
If your bag is left behind
A sticker on your bag usually says what was wrong, such as the wrong day or an item in the wrong category. Take it back, re-sort it and put it out on the right day. If a neighbour mentions it, a simple apology goes a long way: すみません、まだよくわからなくて。気をつけます (Sorry, I’m still learning. I’ll be careful). See living in a Japanese neighbourhood.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online and can go through your city’s rubbish guide with you, explain the categories and practise the phrases for calling to book oversized rubbish or talking to neighbours. If you’re about to move, see our moving to Japan checklist.