"Environmental Companies and Recycling Frontline" - April 2003

"Environmental Companies and Recycling Frontline" - April 2003

1. Incineration Systems and End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling
The Waste Treatment Standards Subcommittee has formulated technical standards for industrial waste incineration systems and provided guidance on handling incineration facilities and similar installations. Additionally, the Vehicle Recycling Subcommittee has proposed guidelines for permitting the dismantling and crushing of end-of-life vehicles, specifying requirements for facilities, operator capabilities, and recycling standards. These clarifications are expected to enhance the proper disposal of waste.

2. Material Recycling of Waste Plastics
Due to difficulties in recycling waste plastics and the shortage of final disposal sites, waste plastic power generation is expected to expand. The Ministry of the Environment plans to support industrial waste power generation by subsidizing five domestic power generation facilities by 2021. This initiative aims to position waste plastics as a core new energy source, contributing to the prevention of global warming.

3. Wind and Solar Hybrid Billboard
A neon billboard installed on the rooftop of the Dojima Fukagawa Building in Kita Ward, Osaka City, utilizes 100% renewable energy from a hybrid power generation system combining wind and solar power. The system includes small wind turbines and multicrystalline solar panels, storing generated electricity to power the billboard. The billboard is visible from the Hanshin Expressway Loop Line, and similar technologies are expected to be adopted for future billboard installations.

4. Clarification of Infectious Waste Definitions
The Ministry of the Environment is working on revising the manual to clarify the definition of infectious waste to eliminate confusion in medical settings. The handling of infectious waste significantly impacts treatment methods and costs, leading to strong demands from both the medical and waste management industries for clearer definitions. The revised manual is expected to promote standardized disposal and ensure the proper handling of medical waste.

5. Enforcement of the Green Purchasing Law
The Green Purchasing Law, fully enforced in 2001, mandates that government agencies purchase environmentally friendly products and encourages local governments and businesses to follow suit. In 2003, 24 additional items were added, furthering the greening of the market. The law's influence has increased demand for low environmental impact products and services, accelerating the shift from economic efficiency to environmental efficiency.

6. Sharp's Eco-Friendly Air Conditioner
Sharp has released an air conditioner equipped with "ion technology" to eliminate viruses and mold spores. The company also developed components with improved disassembly features, aiming to reduce labor time and ultimately enable unmanned disassembly in the future. This air conditioner emphasizes room environment considerations, making it a noteworthy product that prioritizes consumer health and comfort.

7. Oxygen Enrichment Membrane Equipped Air Conditioner
Panasonic has released an air conditioner equipped with an "oxygen enrichment membrane" that draws in high concentrations of oxygen from the outside air. This technology increases indoor air oxygen levels, providing a cleaner indoor environment. The membrane allows only air molecules to pass through, removing dust and bacteria, thereby improving indoor air quality.

8. Use of Biodegradable Plastics
Sony has introduced a Walkman with a casing made from biodegradable plastics derived from plant materials. These plastics decompose into CO2 and water through microbial activity after disposal. Fujitsu has also adopted similar materials for its computers, focusing on product development that reduces environmental impact. This initiative provides a new solution to the issue of electronic waste.

9. Formation of a Recycling-Based Society
In the field of infrastructure, recycling infrastructure development is progressing, along with the construction of waste treatment facilities. In 2003, a new "landfill site reclamation project" was launched to support the reduction and recycling of waste buried in municipal general waste final disposal sites. This project is expected to alleviate the pressure on landfill sites.

10. Environmental Shift in Public Works Projects
Japanese public works are undergoing a shift towards environmental considerations in the 21st century. New types of public works projects, such as eco-roads, eco-ports, and recycling ports, are gaining attention, with environmentally conscious infrastructure development progressing. This shift aims to balance environmental conservation with economic development.