Japanese streets are some of the cleanest on earth, while the disposal of garbage can be quite complicated. In this article we'll teach you our tips and tricks to deal with your trash when you live on the road. The problem gets worse as the amount of wrapping in Japanese products is pretty dense.
Where to dispose of your trash?
There are a few places where you can freely dispose of some garbage while living on the road:
- Convenience stores (7‑Eleven, Lawson, etc.)
- Most Michi no Eki
- Service areas on highways
- Paid campgrounds: free campgrounds don't often have trash disposal places but paid options often allow you to dispose of your trash (sometimes with a fee).
- Shopping malls: shopping malls like Aeon often have trash cans. Most supermarkets only take cardboard and plastics.
- Recycle centers: every city has one, but they are more used by construction companies to dispose of large amounts of waste. Visiting them without living in the city can be paid.
- Airports
NOTE: While traveling, you will find out that some prefectures have less accessible trash cans than others.
How to sort your trash?
In Japan you should separate burnable waste (food waste, paper, etc.) from plastic waste. Cans and plastic bottles are a separate category and are easy to dispose of, as most vending machines have a trash can next to them.
The gas canisters used for cooking should be disposed of separately. You can sometimes dispose of them in campgrounds or bring them to the local recycle center.
Keep it tiny
The main tip for handling trash is to use tiny, non‑transparent plastic bags. By keeping your bags small they will be easy to dispose of when visiting a convenience store.
Respect the laws
Japan is really strict with garbage disposal. Don't litter and don't try to squeeze a bag of trash into a place where it should not be.
Have a safe trip!
