### History and Current Status of Japan's Breakaway from Waste Incineration Dependence (1997-2020s)

### History and Current Status of Japan's Breakaway from Waste Incineration Dependence (1997-2020s)

In 1997, Japan was heavily dependent on incineration for waste disposal, and dioxin emissions and ash disposal were issues. 2000s saw a gradual decline in incineration due to stricter regulations and promotion of recycling, but the dependency on incineration remained high. 2010s saw the formulation of the "Basic Plan for Establishing a Recycling-Oriented Society" and the "Strategy for Recycling Plastic Resources," and progress in promoting the 3Rs and reducing plastic waste. In the 2010s, the Basic Plan for Establishing a Recycling-based Society and the Plastic Resource Recycling Strategy were formulated, and progress was made in promoting the 3Rs and reducing plastic waste. In the 2020s, annual waste emissions will total approximately 4.167 million tons, and while the country will continue to rely on incineration, significant reductions in dioxin emissions and measures to eliminate plastic waste are underway. Inter-regional cooperation and corporate initiatives are key to so
lving these issues.