History of Waste Disposal Sites and Environmental Conservation Measures in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture (2000s-2020s)

History of Waste Disposal Sites and Environmental Conservation Measures in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture (2000s-2020s)

2001: Decision to extend the waste disposal site
In 2001, the extension of the use of the Ohata Center, a final disposal site for general waste, including industrial waste, was approved in the Onada area of Tajimi City. This extension, which will last approximately 10 years until 2030, reflects discussions with Gifu Prefecture and the citizens' group "Tajimi no Kankyo wo Mamoru Kai" (Society for the Protection of Tajimi's Environment). The repository was tasked with the management of dioxin, a hazardous substance, and upgrades were made to the wastewater treatment facility. In addition, sensors for groundwater monitoring were installed, and efforts were made to emphasize cooperation with the surrounding community.

At the same time, the operator, Eco Recycle Gifu Co., Ltd. introduced the latest technology and installed new equipment to separate recyclable materials from incinerator ash and waste plastic. This was expected to increase the recycling rate, and the taxable income of 3,000 yen per ton was used for road repairs and environmental education programs.

2010s: Progress in Environmental Initiatives
In the 2010s, Tajimi City made progress in strengthening its recycling and waste management. At the Sanokura Center, an incineration facility, a state-of-the-art melting furnace was installed and technology was established to recycle incinerator ash as molten slag. This technology has greatly reduced the amount of incinerated ash landfilled and enhanced resource recycling within the region.

During the same period, Tajimi City focused on promoting resource recovery and increased the amount of recovered paper and metals. However, there were limits to the improvement of the recycling rate, and in particular, the lack of implementation of sorted collection of plastic containers and packaging was identified as an issue. In addition, residents' educational activities to reduce waste emissions were regularly conducted, and efforts continued to root environmental education in the community.

2020s: Current Status and Challenges
In the 2020s, Tajimi City made further progress in waste management. The Sanokura Center, an incineration facility, utilizes a direct-melt incinerator and reuses incinerator ash as molten slag. Meanwhile, at the Ohata Center, a closed, roofed facility is operated as a controlled final disposal site for the safe landfill of fly ash.

However, the recycling rate has dropped from 26.1% in FY 2013 to 13.8% in FY 2020, emerging as a challenge. In particular, the lack of separate collection of plastic containers and packaging is considered a contributing factor, and the amount of waste generated is 999 grams per person per day, higher than the national average.

Cooperation with residents is ongoing, and the status of facility maintenance and management is reported every June. In addition, the company is strengthening educational activities while maintaining the trust of residents through thorough disclosure of information.

Future Prospects
Tajimi City plans to shift to a recycling-oriented policy in time for the reconstruction of the incineration facility, following the enforcement of the Law for Promotion of Recycling of Plastic Resources by the Ministry of the Environment. We aim to improve the recycling rate and reduce waste emissions by studying the sorted collection of plastic containers and packaging and conducting educational activities for citizens.

Tajimi City's efforts are attracting attention as a model case of sustainable waste disposal and environmental conservation based on cooperation with local residents.