Progress of Food Waste Recycling Technology in Tokyo - November 2002 to 2022

Progress of Food Waste Recycling Technology in Tokyo - November 2002 to 2022

**Comparison and discussion of the situation in November 2002 and 2022**.

In Tokyo in 2002, annual food waste production was very high at about 19 million tons, and the recycling rate was low, with incineration and landfill disposal being the main methods used. At that time, recycling facilities in Koto-ku and other areas were limited, and efforts to generate biogas through methane fermentation were not yet in full swing. In addition, the development of waste recycling infrastructure was lagging behind and there were many cost and technical challenges, so sustainable waste disposal was far from being realized.

By 2022, however, the amount of food waste will have decreased, settling at about 5.5 million tons for Tokyo as a whole. Advances in recycling technology have enhanced biogas generation through methane fermentation at Koto-ku's recycling plant, which is now capable of processing 120,000 tons of food waste annually. The biogas produced is supplied as electricity to public facilities in the ward and is utilized as a renewable energy source. Corporate initiatives are also progressing, with 7-Eleven and FamilyMart actively developing projects to recycle waste food into feed and fertilizer, with the aim of increasing recycling rates.

**Comparisons and Considerations**

1. **Decrease in the amount of waste**.
While food waste amounted to 19 million tons in 2002, it will decrease to 5.5 million tons in 2022. This is the result of increased awareness and efforts to reduce food loss in business establishments and households. Another factor is the improvement of recycling technology and the progress in the reuse of food waste.

2. **Progress in Recycling Technology**.
In 2002, the development of recycling infrastructure was lagging behind, but by 2022, technological progress has been made, and biogas generation and reuse at recycling facilities in Koto-ku and elsewhere is expanding. This will greatly improve the efficiency of food waste processing and make efforts to utilize waste as energy a reality.

3.**Expanding Role of Businesses**.
While corporate efforts to recycle food waste were limited in 2002, by 2022 major corporations are actively pursuing recycling projects. The fact that 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are taking the lead in setting recycling rate targets and promoting measures to achieve them is indicative of growing corporate environmental awareness.

4. **Continuing challenges**.
On the other hand, challenges remain even in 2022. The cost of food waste disposal remains high at approximately 50,000 yen per ton, and further efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs are required. On the technological side, action is also needed to expand the use of recycled fuels and to promote the use of reusable products in the market.

**Comprehensive Evaluation**.
In Tokyo in 2022, although technological progress and proactive efforts by companies have been made regarding food waste issues, recycling cost issues and the need for further technological innovation remain. However, it is important to continue our efforts to reduce our environmental impact.