Overview of Recycling in Japan
Recycling in Japan is based on the Japanese Container and Packaging Recycling Law. Plastic, paper, PET bottles, aluminium, and glass are collected and recycled. In 2012, Japan’s recycling rate was 20.8%.
Types of Recycling Methods in Japan
Material Recycling:
One recycled item is PET bottles. After sorting and crushing, the plastic is reused for carpets, clothes, and pillows. Another is glass bottles. After smashing, the glass is pieced back together into new items.
Chemical Recycling and Thermal Recycling:
Over half the collected plastic goes through thermal recycling and is burned in incinerators to generate energy.
Japan’s Waste Disposal Methods
Incineration is the most widely used waste disposal method in Japan due to limited landfill space. Recycling is crucial as Japan’s population rises but area stays the same.
Recycling Policies in Japan
Laws encourage plastic recycling to achieve a low-carbon society and reduce plastic consumption. Efforts are made to meet targets, but material recycling is hindered by costs and technical challenges.
Waste Sorting and Collection
Garbage in Japan must be sorted into four categories – burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, and oversized. Kitchen waste is burnable, while metal and glass are non-burnable.
Recycling Process in Japan
After collecting materials, recycling centers sort them to ensure they are free from contaminants and properly grouped. Then the materials are processed by shredding, melting, or refining to create new products.