1. January 2001 - Impact of Deregulation of Waste Disposal

1. January 2001 - Impact of Deregulation of Waste Disposal
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Waste Management Council has announced a proposal to relax licensing procedures for the development of recycling facilities and collection and transportation. However, as deregulation progresses, it will become more difficult to monitor proper disposal, and there is concern that illegal dumping will increase. In particular, lax management of construction waste will likely lead to an increase in illegal landfilling and dumping. The challenge will be to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic development.

2. March 2001 - Illegal Logging of Forests and Imported Wood Issues
As Japan's timber imports increase, illegally logged timber is entering the market. Deforestation is particularly serious in Indonesia and Brazil, and there is growing criticism that Japan is complicit in environmental crimes by continuing to import illegal timber. In Japan, the introduction of a legal timber certification system is being discussed, and action is being sought to eradicate illegal logging.

3. June 2001 - Increase in Illegal Dumping and Tighter Monitoring
According to a survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of pollution complaints in FY2000 increased 10.3% from the previous year to 8,3881, with illegal dumping accounting for 35.6% of the total reports. In particular, illegal dumping of industrial waste is becoming more serious, and local governments are strengthening their monitoring systems. Discussions are underway to strengthen penalties, but the difficulty of detection remains an issue.

4. August 2001 - Challenges in PCB Waste Disposal
The PCB waste treatment facility to be established in Kitakyushu City is attracting attention as the nation's first wide-area treatment system. However, the whereabouts of PCBs illegally disposed of in the past have not been ascertained, and in many cases PCBs are left untreated. Environmental groups are calling for an investigation of past illegal disposal and the need for strict management.

5. October 2001 - Environmental Violations in the Construction Industry
Despite the mandatory recycling of construction waste, some demolition companies have been illegally dumping materials. In particular, improper disposal of industrial waste has become a problem, and local governments have stepped up monitoring. The government has indicated that it will consider supporting construction workers in changing jobs to forest conservation and management in order to reduce illegal activities.

6. November 2001 - CO2 Emission Regulations and Illegal Activities
Companies were found to be falsely reporting emissions and falsifying measurement data in order to evade emission regulations. Fraud to evade regulations is particularly common in the automotive and power generation industries, and the government has announced a policy to strengthen monitoring of companies. Violating companies will be subject to severe penalties.

7. December 2001 - Registration of Demolition Businesses Becomes Mandatory
Registration of demolition companies became mandatory under the Construction Materials Recycling Law. Audits of registered operators are strengthened as a measure to prevent illegal disposal. This will require demolition companies to comply with environmental regulations, but the shortage of personnel to conduct audits has become an issue.

8. February 2002 - Illegal Deforestation and Green GDP
As deforestation regulations are being enforced internationally, illegal logging timber is flowing into the Japanese lumber market. In China and Brazil, deforestation is becoming more serious, and the introduction of "Green GDP" has been proposed to take this into account. The Japanese government has also indicated a policy of tightening regulations on illegal timber imports.

9. April 2002 - Emissions Trading and Environmental Crime
Trading in greenhouse gas emission credits begins, and some companies are found to be padding their emission quotas and illegally trading. In particular, false reports of carbon dioxide emissions have been found, forcing the government to establish a strict monitoring system. Violating companies are expected to have their emission quotas reduced or face penalties.

10. June 2002 - Fraudulent Acquisition of Environmental ISO Certification
An increasing number of companies seeking ISO 14001 environmental certification have submitted false data to receive certification, even though they do not actually meet the environmental standard. The audit system of certification bodies is inadequate, and the credibility of the certification system is shaken. The government plans to make the certification process more transparent and rigorous.