JPSS, for information about studying in Japan's universities and graduate schools. > News/Useful information for studying abroad > Guide for Studying Abroad in Japan > Living Guide for International Students in Japan > Disposing Garbage
Many trifle troubles may occur in your daily life. If you let them accumulate day by day, gradually will turn in to a big trouble.
A characteristic of Japanese people, avoiding to say things directly to you may cause troubles. However, in our daily life, if you pay attention in putting yourself in other person's viewpoint, you can avoid most of stressful troubles.
You may think, "What is the point of separating garbage, it's all the same". However, in Japan, all the trash must be separated according to its nature, collected on a certain day, and placed at a designated spot. Otherwise, sanitary officers will not take it away. Keeping this rule is the first step to your life in Japan.
Combustible (flammable) Trash:
(kitchen garbage such as fish and vegetable, paper, clothing, sanitary items, and cigarettes, etc.) In Tokyo you must be disposed in the semitransparent polyethylene waste bag that contains calcium carbonate local government endorsed. Then, tie it up to prevent a foul smell. If you put it in the plastic pail, you should bring it back soon after garbage has been dumped by dustmen.
Noncombustible Garbage:
(Nonflammable trash such as plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, rubber and leather, and knives, needles, light bulbs, etc.) Dangerous substances must be disposed in a high level transparent bag so that the content can easily be confirmed. Needles must be put in a bottle or a can which is firmly capped. Light bulbs must be wrapped with paper and be labeled with "Danger". An explosive aerosol can should be punctured before dumping it away.
Large garbage:
(furniture, electric appliances, bicycles, etc.) Large trash collecting will be charged and notification must be given in advance, Please call a sanitary office first. Early contact must be made for collecting bulky wastes when you have a lot of large items to be disposed on your returning to home country.
The days and the time for collecting trash is different. Commonly, the collection of combustible waste is twice a week, and once a week for noncombustible waste.