Living in most areas in America, one becomes accustomed to our typical trash separation that goes on weekly. We separate our trash into two containers; garbage, and recycling. Across the world however, they use different categories to separate their trash into simple and environmentally friendly ways. In Tokyo, Japan, trash (gomi) has to be divided into three categories (combustible trash, non-combustible trash, recyclable trash) for proper disposal. Each category is collected separately on a designated day. The first category, combustible (burnable) trash, includes kitchen trash. Secondly, incombustible items includes things such as glass trash. Recyclable trash, the third category, has items such as bottles, cans, magazines, and newspapers.
This method is extremely successful in Japan because of how easy it is for the residents, and how accessible the recycling facilities are. For example, the trash disposal area is also categorized, so all you have to do is to place every trash bag in the right place. Also, you can also use trash cans inside every citizen’s own house that are separated. Even on the streets you also have categorized trash cans. Along with this, Japan is taking several measures to increase recycling throughout the country. In 2001, Japan enacted a new measure requiring retailers and manufacturers to take back used air conditioners, televisions, washing machines and refrigerators. I think it’s great that the government is working so hard to improve the amount and types of items being recycled.
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