Refuse incineration stopped in Oze - March 1998

Refuse incineration stopped in Oze - March 1998

The Oze Mountain Hut Association, which operates mountain huts and stores in the Oze area, has decided to completely stop incinerating paper and food waste at its mountain huts beginning with the 1998 tourist season in order to prevent the generation of dioxins. This is an important initiative from the standpoint of environmental preservation, as it will halt the processing of garbage in the small incinerators that were previously used at the mountain lodges.

In the past, waste generated at mountain lodges was incinerated onsite, but with the dioxin problem drawing public attention, there has been growing concern about its impact on the environment. In response, the Oze Mountain Hut Association decided to stop incineration and instead adopt a policy of taking garbage home with them. Specifically, a helicopter that carries food and other items is being used to transport the refuse to the foot of the mountain.

In addition to the previously removed trash cans, Oze has decided to stop distributing trash bags to climbers in 1998 in order to reduce the amount of trash and ensure that people take their trash home with them. This is intended to make tourists more aware of the importance of taking garbage home with them.

Oze is an area of precious marshlands and other natural environments, and the environmental burden caused by the increase in the number of tourists has been an issue. This initiative is part of an effort to reduce that burden and strengthen conservation of the natural environment.

**Related Information**.
- The Ministry of the Environment emphasizes the importance of proper incineration at waste incineration facilities as a measure to reduce dioxins. It is estimated that dioxin emissions from incineration facilities account for 80-90% of all dioxin emissions, and the implementation of permanent measures is expected to reduce the concentration of dioxins in the environment.
- In Oze National Park, a "take-back-the-garbage campaign" is recommended for climbers to preserve the environment, and ongoing efforts are being made in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment and local governments.