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### History and Current Status of Japan's Shift Away from Incineration Dependence - From November 1997 to the 2020s #### Challenges in 1997 and the Start of Efforts In Japan, as of 1997, dependence on incineration for waste disposal was pronounced, with the number of incineration facilities and the volume of waste processed being overwhelmingly higher compared to European and American countries. Particularly, dioxin emissions from incineration and the disposal of incinerator ash were major challenges. In response, thorough separate collection, resource recovery, and a shift towards recycling were demanded. Furthermore, the government aimed to amend the Waste Management Law and build a sustainable waste management system less reliant on incineration.

#### Developments in the 2000s During the 2000s, stricter standards for dioxin reduction were implemented, and stringent regulations were introduced for new incinerator construction. Progress was also made in establishing regional recycling hubs and promoting corporate recycling initiatives. Consequently, the volume of waste incinerated in Japan gradually decreased, though reliance on incineration remained high.

#### Progress in the 2010s In the 2010s, the Ministry of the Environment spearheaded the formulation of the Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Recycling-Oriented Society, leading to a full-scale push for the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) of waste. Specifically targeting plastic waste reduction, the "Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy" was announced in 2018, clarifying recycling and reduction targets. As part of these efforts, supermarkets and convenience stores began charging for plastic shopping bags, and plastic reduction initiatives spread among businesses and local governments. Meanwhile, processing disaster waste was also a major challenge in the 2010s. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures faced the need to properly manage debris and waste containing radioactive materials. While wide-area processing and temporary storage sites were established, gaining public understanding remained a challenge. #### Current Situation in the 2020s
In the 2020s, Japan's annual waste generation stands at approximately 41.67 million tons, equivalent to about 901 grams per person per day—a high level. Incineration remains the primary disposal method, and transforming the waste management system continues to be a challenge. Dioxin emissions decreased significantly from approximately 2,000 g-TEQ/year in 1997 to 98-100 g-TEQ/year in 2020, but further reductions are required. Reducing plastic waste is also a critical challenge. According to a Ministry of the Environment study, the amount of plastic waste in the oceans could exceed the amount of fish by 2050. In response, companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are promoting waste plastic pyrolysis projects, though cost and developing applications for the resulting oil remain challenges. Locally, Hachijojima Town in Tokyo plans to introduce a deposit system, with operational costs and securing resident cooperation seen as key factors. The government continues revising the
Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, advancing efforts toward building a resource-recycling society.

--- Japan, having addressed its reliance on incineration since 1997, has continued tackling challenges in collaboration with local communities and businesses. This includes promoting the formation of a recycling-oriented society in the 2010s, managing disaster waste, and now aiming for a transition to a plastic-free society in the 2020s.