Tokyo's Food Waste Recycling Issue - 2022

Tokyo's Food Waste Recycling Issue - 2022

In the 2020s, the issue of food waste in Tokyo has become increasingly serious. The total amount of food waste in Tokyo reaches about 5.5 million tons annually, with significant contributions from businesses such as restaurants and retail outlets in central areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, about 1.1 million tons of food waste comes from households, while approximately 4.4 million tons is from businesses.

Recycling efforts have also progressed. As of 2022, there are 30 food recycling facilities in Tokyo, and the Koto Ward recycling plant has strengthened its biogas generation by fermenting food waste. This facility processes approximately 120,000 tons of waste per year, and the biogas generated is supplied as electricity to local public facilities.

In addition, major convenience store chains such as Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart are advancing projects to utilize discarded food as biomass resources. Seven-Eleven has set a goal of recycling 60% of its waste into feed and fertilizer, aiming to achieve 80% by 2025. Furthermore, in cooperation with agriculture, circular farming is being promoted in the Tama area of western Tokyo, where discarded vegetables and food residues are converted into fertilizer and utilized by local farmers.

However, there are still challenges in terms of technology and cost. The average cost of waste disposal in Tokyo is about 50,000 yen per ton, and improving the efficiency of disposal is crucial. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand the use of recycled biomass fuel and promote the spread of recycled products in the market.

Thus, even in the 2020s, the issue of food waste in Tokyo remains complex, but recycling technologies and corporate efforts to reduce environmental impact are steadily advancing. Moving forward, further innovations will be required to realize a sustainable recycling society.