**Illegal dumping of waste materials uncovered in the Tajima area of Hyogo Prefecture - December 1999**.

**Illegal dumping of waste materials uncovered in the Tajima area of Hyogo Prefecture - December 1999**.

In 1999, illegal dumping of about 300 tons of waste wood and plastic by a local construction company was uncovered in the Tajima area of Hyogo Prefecture. The problem was attributed to a shortage of disposal sites and rising waste disposal costs, and local residents complained of foul odors and pest damage. Hyogo Prefecture proceeded to remove the waste and clean up the contaminated soil, and decided to apply penalties to those responsible. Furthermore, statistics from the Ministry of the Environment showed an increase in illegal dumping nationwide in 1999, and the case in the Tajima area was considered a typical example. This incident has led to a nationwide effort to strengthen monitoring systems and provide guidance to disposal companies. It was an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of protecting the natural environment.