BLOG

In this article, we will take a brief look at Japan's customs regarding trash (in Japanese: "Gomi" ゴミ). Part of living in an off-base rental house or apartment are the chores involving household garbage. There are some rules about how to separate trash into several types or categories. In the case of Yokosuka City, household garbage is generally divided into: (1) burnable or raw items, (2) soft plastics, and (3) cans & bottles. For more information & details, please see the English-language pamphlet at the link below. Once the trash has been divided and bagged, then there are certain days for putting it out for collection. Additionally, there are designated spots or areas in each neighborhood where trash must be placed for pick up by the garbage trucks -- if you have any questions please don't hesitate to call us. Another aspect of trash customs in Japan is the general lack of garbage cans in public & shopping areas. A good example is going to a Starbucks and getting a paper cup of coffee "to go" ... Once you leave the Starbucks with coffee in hand, it is expected that you will properly throw away the cup -- either take it back to Starbucks or take it home. There generally are trash bins available at convenience stores, but they are not intended for garbage brought from other stores or places. Also, some vending machines have small recycle bins for cans and bottles -- but those are NOT trash cans. So, the Japanese way of doing things is that if you buy & carry food or drinks while walking around/shopping, those wrappings, bags, containers, cups, etc., are your property and responsibility, and they must be disposed of in a legal manner. The reason public spaces in Japan are often remarkably clean is because of how people handle trash. Also, it is not unusual in the morning to see store employees out sweeping and cleaning the street areas in front of their establishment -- it is all part of Japan's custom to maintain cleanliness. We hope this information will help you to live smoothly and enjoyably in Japan. Written by Goodfield