The History of Waste Incineration Facility Consolidation in Aomori Prefecture: 1998 to the 2020s

The History of Waste Incineration Facility Consolidation in Aomori Prefecture: 1998 to the 2020s

In 1998, Aomori Prefecture formulated the "Basic Plan for Regional Waste Treatment" and established a policy to promote the consolidation and regionalization of municipal waste incineration facilities. At that time, six municipalities—Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Goshogawara City, Mutsu City, and Misawa City—each operated their own waste treatment facilities. However, as issues related to aging infrastructure and dioxin emissions became increasingly serious, the need for a new treatment system grew.

This plan aimed to achieve efficient waste management by consolidating incineration facilities within the prefecture and proceeding with the construction of new large-scale incineration facilities or the renovation of existing ones. The new facilities incorporated the latest exhaust gas treatment technologies, and a policy was adopted that prioritized the reduction of dioxin emissions above all else. Additionally, plans were made to recover energy from the heat generated by incineration, including supplying heat to local public facilities and generating electricity. Through these initiatives, it was expected that promoting waste separation and resource recovery would lead to a reduction in the final volume of waste sent to landfills.

### Developments in the 2000s

In the 2000s, Aomori Prefecture formulated the "Plan for Promoting the Formation of a Recycling-Oriented Society" and strengthened efforts to reduce waste volume and promote recycling. This plan advocated for the promotion of the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to curb waste generation and encourage reuse and recycling. As a result, recycling facilities were established and thorough waste separation and collection were implemented throughout the prefecture.

Furthermore, efforts to regionalize and consolidate waste treatment facilities progressed, leading to the establishment of regional consortia where multiple municipalities collaborate on waste management, as well as the renewal and integration of aging facilities. These measures aimed to improve processing efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

### Initiatives in the 2010s

In the 2010s, against a backdrop of rising environmental awareness, increasing waste volumes, and limited landfill capacity, the adoption of waste-to-energy incineration expanded. Within Aomori Prefecture, new waste-to-energy facilities were constructed and existing ones were renovated, actively promoting energy recovery from waste.

Furthermore, in 2018, the "4th Aomori Prefecture Plan for Promoting a Circular Society" was formulated, outlining specific measures to realize a sustainable society, such as reducing plastic waste, addressing food loss, and strengthening collaboration with businesses and citizens. This plan prioritized efforts to reduce waste generation, promote resource circulation, and ensure proper waste disposal.

### Current Status and Challenges in the 2020s

Entering the 2020s, Aomori Prefecture aimed to further establish a sustainable waste management system and strengthened its efforts toward regional integration and consolidation. Within the prefecture, multiple waste treatment facilities are in operation, primarily in Aomori City, Hirosaki City, and Hachinohe City. For example, the facility in Aomori City employs a gasification and melting process, has a daily processing capacity of 300 tons, and generates 7,650 kW of electricity.

On the other hand, waste generation within the prefecture remains high. In fiscal year 2022 (Reiwa 4), approximately 444,849 tons of waste were generated, with daily waste generation per resident reaching 991 grams. This figure exceeds the national average of 880 grams, making waste reduction and improving the recycling rate ongoing challenges. The prefecture's recycling rate stands at 14.0%, which is below the national average of 19.6%, highlighting the need to further promote resource circulation.

Aiming for sustainable waste management, Aomori Prefecture has established six wide-area blocks (Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Hachinohe City, Goshogawara City, Towada City, Misawa City, and Mutsu City) based on geographical conditions and living areas, and is building an efficient waste management system within each block. Furthermore, collaboration with private companies is progressing, with firms such as Hitachi Zosen Corporation involved in the construction and operation of waste incineration facilities, resulting in the introduction of facilities with nationally advanced technology within the prefecture.

However, challenges remain. There is a need to raise public awareness, ensure thorough waste separation, and build a resource-recycling society through collaboration with businesses. Furthermore, it is essential to establish a more sustainable waste management system by addressing the aging of waste treatment facilities and introducing new technologies.

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**Sources**
1. Aomori Prefecture Comprehensive Environmental Plan
2. The 4th Aomori Prefecture Plan for Promoting the Formation of a Recycling-Oriented Society
3. Guidelines on Regional Integration and Consolidation (Ministry of the Environment)
4. Hitachi Zosen Corporation: Waste-to-Energy Technology Materials
5. FY2022 Aomori Prefecture Survey Report on the Actual Status of General Waste Treatment