Illegal Dumping of Household Appliances - 2020s

Illegal Dumping of Household Appliances - 2020s

In the 2020s, the illegal dumping of household appliances continues to be a serious issue. Particularly in urban areas such as Tokyo's 23 wards, Osaka, and Nagoya, illegal dumping remains a significant problem. According to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment, more than 10,000 refrigerators and air conditioners were illegally dumped nationwide in 2021, and the number of illegal dumping cases has shown a gradual upward trend each year.

These appliances contain harmful substances, such as the refrigerant gas Freon, lead found in the cathode ray tubes of televisions, and other hazardous materials present in refrigerators and washing machines. These substances pose serious environmental and health risks. For example, in 2023, large amounts of illegally dumped household appliances were found in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture, raising concerns about water source contamination in surrounding areas.

In response, major appliance manufacturers such as Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp have strengthened their collection systems under the Home Appliance Recycling Law. Panasonic, in particular, recycles over 500,000 appliances annually. Additionally, Hitachi Ltd. has developed recycling equipment that significantly improves the efficiency of separating discarded appliances using advanced AI technology. In 2022, Hitachi's recycling plant increased its capacity by 20%, processing around 700,000 appliances each year.

Moreover, municipalities have intensified crackdowns on illegal dumping. Tokyo introduced the "Illegal Dumping Prevention Team" in 2021, installing surveillance cameras and strengthening reporting systems in local areas. This led to a 15% increase in apprehended cases compared to 2020. Nationally, the Ministry of the Environment aims to expand the scope of the Home Appliance Recycling Law by 2025, establishing new recovery routes and strengthening penalties for illegal dumping.

Thus, in the 2020s, preventing illegal dumping and promoting recycling remain critical challenges. Greater cooperation between companies and local governments is increasingly necessary, but further efforts are still required to achieve a comprehensive solution.