History and Current Status of Waste Management in Japan

History and Current Status of Waste Management in Japan

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### Waste Disposal Issues and Measures in 2000
In the early 2000s, the shortage of waste disposal sites was a major issue in Japan. In Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture, in particular, the average remaining life of treatment plants was reported to be 1.6 years, and there were concerns about an increase in illegal dumping. To address this problem, the "New Waste Disposal Law" was introduced in 2001, obliging municipalities to systematically develop treatment facilities. Kawasaki City and Kitakyushu City introduced waste-to-energy plants to promote energy recovery from waste.

Corporate efforts to achieve a sustainable society were strengthened, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Sekisui Chemical jointly developing technologies to reuse waste plastics, and Seven-Eleven Japan expanding the use of recycled materials in its stores. Furthermore, the introduction of "Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)" was discussed to address the increase in waste, and the collection and reuse of product waste was promoted.

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### Current Status and New Challenges in the 2020s
In the 2020s, the situation of waste treatment plants in Japan has improved to some extent: as of FY2022, the remaining life of waste treatment plants nationwide is estimated to be 22.4 years, which is more than enough compared to the tight situation in the 2000s. However, challenges remain in some areas, and efficient waste management is required, especially in urban areas.

In Osaka Prefecture, 2.89 million tons of waste was generated in FY2022, of which 1.72 million tons was household waste and 1.17 million tons was business waste. However, the recycling rate was only 13.0%, below the national average of 19.6%. As for plastic waste, 8.22 million tons were generated nationwide in 2020, of which 62% was processed through thermal recycling, while 14% remained unused and was incinerated or sent to landfill.

In Osaka City, 41,000 tons of food loss is generated annually, and the city is promoting the reduction of food loss through the "3-Kiri Food Waste Campaign" and the "30-10 Campaign. With the cooperation of citizens and businesses, the strengthening of sorted collection and promotion of resource recycling are underway.

Corporate efforts also continue to be important. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Sekisui Chemical are developing technologies for recycling waste plastics, and Seven-Eleven Japan is promoting the use of recycled materials. This has accelerated efforts to reduce waste and build a resource-recycling society through cooperation among companies, local governments, and residents.

These measures are evolving in a direction that calls for more advanced recycling technologies and cooperation from local communities, while continuing the challenges of the 2000s. It is essential that governments, municipalities, and businesses continue to work together to strengthen their efforts toward efficient waste management and effective use of resources.