Sodai Gomi: Guide to Disposing of Oversized Furniture in Japan
By Ibuki — Affarah Friendly Homes · 2026-07-21
Sodai Gomi: Guide to Disposing of Oversized Furniture in Japan
Short answer: In Japan, you cannot throw away items larger than 30 centimeters in regular household trash. You must book an oversized trash pickup (粗大ごみ - Sodai Gomi) with your local ward office, buy specific trash stamps (Sodai Gomi Shoushi) at a convenience store, stick them to your furniture, and place the items outside by 8:00 AM on the scheduled collection day.
Typical Sodai Gomi Fees (Tokyo Averages)
Disposal costs are regulated by each ward, but average fees include:
| Furniture Item | Sticker Cost | Required Sticker Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Chair | ¥400 | 1 x Type A |
| Single Mattress | ¥1,200 - ¥2,000 | Combinations of Type A & B |
| Dining Table | ¥800 - ¥1,200 | 2 x Type A or 1 x Type B |
| Bicycle | ¥800 | 2 x Type A |
| Sofa (2-Seater) | ¥2,000 | Combinations of Type A & B |
1. Step-by-Step Disposal Guide
Step 1: Book the Collection
Visit your local ward's Sodai Gomi website (e.g., "Shibuya Sodai Gomi Center"). Select your items from the directory and book an available collection date. During moving season (March to April), book at least 4 weeks in advance.
Step 2: Buy the Disposal Stamps
Go to any convenience store in your ward. Ask the clerk for "Sodai Gomi Ken."
- Type A: Worth ¥200
- Type B: Worth ¥300
The clerk will calculate the correct combinations to match your online booking receipt.
Step 3: Label and Place Outside
Write your name or registration code and the collection date on the stickers. Stick them to the items. Place the items at the designated pickup point (typically next to your building's trash cage or street curb) on the morning of the pickup. Do not place items out the night before.
2. Items You Cannot Dispose of via Sodai Gomi
Under the Home Appliance Recycling Act, municipal offices will never collect:
- Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, and Televisions.
To dispose of these, you must contact a private recycling service (Kaden Recycle) or return them to an electronics retailer, paying a recycling fee (typically ¥3,000 to ¥6,000).
Learn local lease clauses about move-out cleaning fees and restoration rules in our Jargon Decoder.