Waste in the Dark - Illegal Dumping Problem and its Countermeasures - January 2003

Waste in the Dark - Illegal Dumping Problem and its Countermeasures - January 2003

Illegal dumping of industrial waste has become a serious problem throughout Japan, and the Ministry of the Environment has decided to establish a team of experts to address this issue.
This team, consisting mainly of police alumni, lawyers, and surveyors, will investigate illegal dumping sites and assist with legal procedures.
In particular, local governments continue to be forced to bear the cost of restoring sites to their original condition in cases where responsibility is unclear, and a new system is needed to reduce the burden.

According to a survey by the Ministry of the Environment, there are approximately 670 illegal industrial waste dumping sites in Japan, and the total removal costs required to restore the sites to their original condition are estimated to reach 90 billion yen.
To address these issues, expert teams will be formed on a case-by-case basis to investigate the conditions of illegal dumping sites, identify the parties involved, and estimate the cost of restoration.

In the future, the government plans to strengthen monitoring to prevent illegal dumping and expand support measures for the proper disposal of illegally dumped industrial waste, and new guidelines are required for companies to ensure proper waste disposal.

Related information:.
- Ministry of the Environment, "Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste (FY2023)
- History and Current Status of Waste Disposal in Japan," Ministry of the Environment
- Industrial Waste Management Promotion Foundation, "Dispatch of Experts and Advisory Services for Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste" (Japanese only)