Japan Travel Tips: How to Throw Away Garbage in Japan | JAPAN and more

Summary

In 'Japan and More,' the video addresses the unique challenge of disposing of garbage in Japan due to the scarcity of public trash cans. It explains the cultural shift since the late 90s that encourages individuals to carry their trash, often in portable bags, until they find a proper disposal point. The script delves into Japan's meticulous waste sorting system, categorizing trash into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables, with further细分 for items like PET bottles and aluminum cans. It advises tourists to respect this system and provides tips on where to find trash cans, such as at shops, convenience stores, and train stations. The video also stresses the importance of not littering and the social etiquette tied to waste disposal, urging visitors to be mindful guests and to seek understanding of local customs.

Takeaways

• 🗑️ Since the late 90s, Japan has been removing public trash cans to promote cleanliness and personal responsibility for waste.
• 🏷️ Japanese people often carry portable trash bags to dispose of their waste later when they find a trash can.
• 🧹 The cleanliness of Japanese streets is attributed to a strong cultural emphasis on personal cleanliness and responsibility, starting from an early age.
• ♻️ Trash in Japan is sorted into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables, with further细分 for items like PET bottles, aluminum cans, and paper products.
• 🚮 When traveling, it's important to use the correct trash and recycling bins, which are clearly labeled with symbols and sometimes color-coded.
• 🍽️ After purchasing food or drink, it's recommended to consume and dispose of waste on-site, as walking and eating is discouraged in crowded areas.
• 🏪 Convenience stores and JR train stations are good places to find trash cans, but be aware of the specific types of waste each bin is meant for.
• 🏨 Hotels and Airbnbs are suitable places to dispose of trash if you're staying overnight in Japan.
• 🛍️ Use a purchased plastic bag as a personal trash bag for the day, and empty it into appropriate trash cans when found.
• 🚫 Be mindful not to misuse bins meant for specific types of waste, such as those next to vending machines or in restrooms, to avoid littering and disrespecting local customs.

Q & A

Why are there fewer trash cans in Japan compared to other countries?

Since the late 90s and early 2000s, there has been a push to remove trash cans from public places like train and subway stations, and streets, to encourage people to carry their trash with them.

What is the cultural practice regarding trash in Japan?

Many Japanese people carry a portable trash bag in their purse or bag to collect trash throughout the day, which they dispose of later when they find a trash can.

How does Japan maintain cleanliness despite the lack of public trash cans?

Japan maintains cleanliness through a strong cultural emphasis on personal responsibility for trash, including children cleaning their schools, which instills a habit of not making a mess.

What is the trash sorting system like in Japan?

Trash in Japan is divided into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables. Recyclables are further sorted into categories like PET bottles, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and paper products.

Where can tourists find trash cans in Japan?

Tourists can find trash cans at shops where they purchase food or drinks, convenience stores, JR train stations, and in their accommodations like hotels or Airbnb.

What should tourists do with their trash if they can't find a trash can immediately?

Tourists should carry their trash with them in a portable bag until they find an appropriate trash can, respecting the recycling system and labeled trash cans.

Why do some places in Japan ask tourists not to dispose of their trash in certain bins?

Some places, like vending machine recycling bins and restroom trash cans, are designated for specific types of waste and are not meant for general trash to avoid overflow and maintain cleanliness.

How can tourists dispose of their trash responsibly in Japan?

Tourists can purchase a plastic bag at a convenience store to use as a trash bag, and when they find a labeled trash can, they can empty their bag and continue to collect trash throughout the day.

What is the significance of the trash can next to vending machines in Japan?

The trash can next to vending machines is specifically for the disposal of PET bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans purchased from the vending machine, not general waste.

How should tourists handle their trash in crowded sightseeing areas in Japan?

Tourists should consume their food or drinks at the shop where they were purchased and dispose of the trash there, to avoid making a mess in crowded areas and to properly dispose of their trash.

What is the advice for tourists who are unsure about Japan's trash disposal system?

Tourists should make a conscious effort to understand and respect Japan's trash system, ask for help if needed, and remember that they are guests in the country, so it's important to follow local customs and rules.