Illegal dumping of waste tires in a Tokyo suburb - December 1997

Illegal dumping of waste tires in a Tokyo suburb - December 1997

In December 1997, approximately 300,000 discarded tires were found illegally dumped in a mountainous area on the outskirts of Hachioji City, Tokyo. Approximately 30,000 of these tires spontaneously combusted, causing a large fire. The fire caused black smoke to spread throughout the surrounding area, and residents complained of health hazards and foul odors.

Details and Background of the Incident
It was revealed that the dumping of waste tires involved several contractors associated with a local waste disposal company, tentatively named Hachioji Environmental Service Co. In order to avoid the regular disposal costs, these contractors had undertaken to dispose of the waste tires for 20 yen per tire and left them illegally in a mountainous area.

Environmental Impact
The smoke emitted from the combustion contained carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and dioxins, resulting in serious air pollution. There were also concerns about the potential for post-combustion residues to seep into soil and groundwater, and the impact on the agricultural and drinking water supplies of local residents was investigated.

Response and Disposal
As an emergency measure, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hired a specialized contractor to collect and properly dispose of the dumped tires. Approximately 60 million yen was invested in this operation. About 70% of the tires were crushed at a recycling plant and reused as road pavement and building materials. The remaining tires were disposed of in a state-of-the-art incineration facility to minimize emissions of hazardous substances.

Measures to Prevent Recurrence
In response to this incident, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government significantly strengthened its waste management system. Registration requirements for waste disposal companies were tightened, and surveillance cameras were installed in areas where illegal dumping was suspected. In addition, a subsidy system was introduced to promote tire recycling, reducing disposal costs and encouraging the use of legal disposal.

Impact of the Incident
Approximately 2,000 households in the Hachioji area were forced to evacuate temporarily, and the economic loss from the fire is estimated at over 200 million yen. This incident highlighted the waste disposal problem in Japan and its social impact. It is a symbolic incident that reminded us of the importance of legal reform and educational activities to eradicate illegal dumping.