Circulation Proposal from a Cold Region - Waste Reduction Policy of Abashiri City, Hokkaido, Japan (2002)

Circulation Proposal from a Cold Region - Waste Reduction Policy of Abashiri City, Hokkaido, Japan (2002)

In 2002, as the tightness of final disposal sites became a social problem throughout Japan, local governments were under pressure to reduce waste emissions. Especially in the cold regions of Hokkaido, winter temperatures and snowfall posed a challenge to garbage collection and storage, and unique innovations were required. Under such circumstances, Abashiri City tried to pave the way for a recycling-oriented society by combining a fee-based garbage collection system and educational activities, while emphasizing consensus building with local residents.

The main pillar of the system was to charge for garbage in designated bags. The introduction of this system was intended to encourage people to curb their emissions, but the process of carefully explaining the system to a diverse range of local residents, including the elderly, tourists, and people involved in the fishing industry, and gathering their opinions, was very important. After the introduction of the program, free bags were also provided to low-income residents to address their economic concerns.

The city also communicated the importance of sorting and the purpose of the fee system to citizens through environmental education at elementary and junior high schools and at explanatory meetings organized by neighborhood associations. As a result, the amount of combustible waste has decreased by approximately 20% since the first year of introduction, and the sorting rate of recyclable waste has also improved. To cope with the harsh winter environment, the collection system and storage sites were also devised, and the system was operated sustainably.

Abashiri City's efforts are a good example of how, even under the restrictive conditions of a cold climate, it is possible to achieve both waste reduction and resource recycling with the understanding and cooperation of citizens. The flexible system design that can be applied to other regions and the careful response of residents are still attracting attention.