### History of Japan's Final Disposal Sites and Waste Management

### History of Japan's Final Disposal Sites and Waste Management

#### 1990s: The Initial Crisis and Legal Reforms
In the 1990s, Japan faced a surge in waste and a shortage of final disposal sites. Particularly, in Teshima, Kagawa Prefecture, 940,000 tons of industrial waste were illegally dumped, requiring 52 billion yen for removal. In 1991, the Waste Management Law was revised to emphasize waste reduction and recycling. However, the remaining capacity of disposal sites fell below 20 years, highlighting the urgent situation.

#### 2000s: Transition to a Recycling-Oriented Society
In the 2000s, the "Basic Act on Establishing a Recycling-Oriented Society" was enacted, promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). With the enforcement of the Home Appliance Recycling Law in 2001, more than 4 million appliances were collected annually for recycling. By 2008, waste management costs exceeded 2 trillion yen nationwide, highlighting the need for new treatment facilities. However, over 6,000 cases of illegal dumping were reported annually, pointing to ongoing issues with unauthorized waste handling.

#### 2010s: Technological Innovation and Strengthened Regional Cooperation
During the 2010s, inter-regional cooperation improved, and waste treatment became more efficient. Food waste was processed into biogas, and plastic waste was chemically recycled. However, the remaining capacity of disposal sites in the Tokyo metropolitan area reached about 30.1 years, while in the Kansai region, it was approximately 19.6 years. Annual waste generation exceeded 45 million tons, necessitating expanded processing capacity.

#### 2020s: Increasing Pressure on Disposal Sites and New Challenges
In the 2020s, the average remaining capacity of final disposal sites nationwide is reported to be 23.4 years, but urban areas continue to face shortages. The Tokyo metropolitan area has a remaining capacity of 30.1 years, while the Kansai region reports 19.6 years. In fiscal 2020, waste management costs reached 2.129 trillion yen, and annual waste generation was 40.34 million tons. In 2022, a new facility with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year began operation in Chiba Prefecture.