Garbage Rules in Japan: Sorting, Collection Days & Sodai Gomi (2026)
By Ibuki — Affarah Friendly Homes · 2026-01-05
Executive Summary: Waste management in Japan is strictly enforced at the local ward and city level. Unlike many Western countries where all household trash goes into a single bin, Japanese apartments require separating waste into Burnable (Moeru Gomi), Non-Burnable (Moenai Gomi), Plastics/Recyclables, PET Bottles, and Oversized Trash (Sodai Gomi). Improper disposal can result in garbage being tagged with red warning stickers, left uncollected on your doorstep, or causing friction with neighbors and building management.
Master Household Waste Sorting Matrix
| Category | Japanese Name | Common Included Items | Disposal Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnable Trash | 可燃ごみ / もえるごみ | Food scraps, paper waste, clothing, wooden items, rubber, small leather | Put in semi-transparent bags. Out by 8:00 AM on collection morning. |
| Non-Burnable Trash | 不燃ごみ / もえないごみ | Glass, ceramics, small metal objects, spray cans, light bulbs, aluminum foil | Depressurize spray cans! Wrap broken glass in newspaper labeled "キケン" (Dangerous). |
| PET Bottles | PETボトル | Clear plastic beverage bottles with the ♻️ PET mark 1 | Must peel off label & remove cap! Rinse inside thoroughly. |
| Recyclable Plastics | プラ容器包装 | Snack wrappers, shampoo bottles, plastic trays, food containers | Wash clean of food grease. Dirty plastics go into Burnable trash. |
| Cans & Glass Bottles | 缶・瓶 | Drink cans, food tins, wine/beer glass bottles | Rinse clean. Do not crush cans unless specified by your local ward. |
| Oversized Trash | 粗大ごみ (Sodai Gomi) | Items with any side >30cm (furniture, bicycles, suitcases, mattresses) | Requires advance booking & paid municipal sticker tickets! |
1. The Core Golden Rules of Apartment Trash in Japan
- Use the Correct Designated Trash Bags: Many municipalities (e.g. Musashino City, Tachikawa, Yokohama, Chiba) require official municipal trash bags purchased at convenience stores. In central Tokyo 23 wards (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Minato, Setagaya), clear or semi-transparent plastic bags (半透明ごみ袋) are standard.
- Observe Collection Times: Put trash out at the designated pickup station between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM on the morning of collection. Leaving trash out the night before attracts crows, cats, and violates building rules unless your apartment has a 24-hour enclosed garbage room (24時間ゴミ出し可能).
- PET Bottle Protocol: Separate the Cap (Plastic), Label (Plastic), and Bottle Body (PET). Rinse the inside thoroughly before placing it in the netting basket.
2. How to Book Sodai Gomi (Oversized Trash) Collection
When moving out or disposing of furniture, any item exceeding 30 cm on any side cannot be put out with regular trash.
Sodai Gomi Disposal Workflow:
Step 1: Measure item dimensions (Length x Width x Height)
Step 2: Reserve pickup online via your Ward's Sodai Gomi Center (粗大ごみ受付センター)
Step 3: Purchase paid disposal stickers (粗大ごみ処理券 Ticket A/B) at a convenience store
Step 4: Attach sticker labeled with your Name & Booking Number onto each item
Step 5: Place item at ground-floor pickup location by 8:00 AM on scheduled date
Typical Ticket Costs (Tokyo Wards Example):
- Wooden Chair / Small Table: ¥400
- Office Desk / Single Bed Frame: ¥900–¥1,300
- Two-Seater Sofa: ¥2,300
- Bicycle: ¥800
3. Four Home Appliances Covered by Special Recycling Laws
Under Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法), local municipalities do not collect the following four items as Sodai Gomi:
- Refrigerators & Freezers
- Washing Machines & Clothes Dryers
- Air Conditioners
- Televisions (CRT, LCD, Plasma)
⚠️ How to Dispose: You must pay a recycling fee + transport fee through an appliance retailer (e.g. Bic Camera, Yamada Denki), hire a licensed private removal service, or use a trade-in service when buying new appliances.
4. Move-Out Trash Checklist: Prevent Deposit Deductions
When handing back your apartment keys, leaving any trash, furniture, or uncollected boxes inside the apartment or in common hallways will result in heavy removal surcharges deducted directly from your security deposit.
- Reserve Sodai Gomi pickup at least 2 to 3 weeks before move-out date (March–April booking slots fill up fast!).
- Clear out all food items from the refrigerator 48 hours prior to defrosting.
- Return rented internet routers or Wi-Fi devices.
- Take a final photo of the empty apartment and clean garbage area.
For a full guide on moving out procedures, see our guide to Getting Your Security Deposit Back in Japan.
FAQ
What happens if I use a black/opaque trash bag in Tokyo?
Garbage collectors in Tokyo will leave a bright red warning sticker on opaque bags and leave them uncollected on the curb. You will have to re-sort the trash into clear/semi-transparent bags.
Can I leave Sodai Gomi behind for the next tenant?
No. Japanese apartments must be returned completely empty (原状回復 Genjou Kaifuku). Leaving items behind will trigger heavy cleaning and disposal fees from the property management company.
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