How to Sort Garbage in Japan: Categories, Collection Days and Bins for Your Apartment
In Japan, household garbage is sorted into categories — usually burnable (燃えるごみ), non-burnable (燃えないごみ), plastic packaging (プラ), and recyclables such as cans, glass bottles and PET bottles (資源ごみ) — and each category goes out on its own collection day. The exact rules are set by your city or ward, so get the local sorting guide (often in English) from your city office or website. Many cities require designated bags (指定袋) sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, and garbage normally goes out on the morning of collection day, by about 8:00.
The common categories
- 燃えるごみ (burnable): kitchen scraps, paper that can't be recycled, small wood items. Drain food waste well.
- プラ / 容器包装プラスチック (plastic packaging): items marked プラ — food trays, wrappers, bottle caps. Rinse off food first.
- 資源ごみ (recyclables): cans, glass bottles and PET bottles, often collected separately. For PET bottles, remove the cap and label and rinse.
- 燃えないごみ (non-burnable): small metal, ceramics, broken glass (wrap it and write キケン on the bag).
- 古紙 (paper): newspapers, cardboard and magazines, tied with string.
- 粗大ごみ (oversized items): furniture and large items. You book a pickup and buy a paid sticker (粗大ごみ処理券).
Where to find your local rules
Search your city or ward name plus "garbage English" or ごみ 分け方. Most cities publish a sorting guide and a collection calendar, and many now have a free app that sends a reminder the night before collection.
Ask your landlord or management company where the collection point (ごみ集積所) is. Some buildings have a 24-hour garbage room; others use a spot on the street where garbage may only be left on the morning of collection.
Fitting several bins into a small kitchen
Because you keep two to four categories at home between collection days, a slim bin with separate compartments (分別ゴミ箱) saves the most floor space. Stacked two-tier bins, or a row of narrow bins with lids, fit beside the fridge or under the sink.
Size the main bin to your city's bag: a 45 L bin for 45 L bags, 30 L for smaller households. A lid (ふた付き) keeps smells in between collection days.
Picks with checked prices
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Slim sorting bin with lid
【限定カラー】【全21種類】蓋付きゴミ箱 45リットル 45L おしゃれ 分別ゴミ箱 キッチン ダストボックス 約幅15cm 幅20cm ふた付き 30リットル
¥3,630（モノギャラリー · checked 2026-10-29）
Why this one: Keeps two categories apart in the floor space of one bin.
Check on the item page: 分別 = sorting. スリム = slim. ふた付き = with lid. Check the size in L (リットル) against your city's bags.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥2,530Premium ¥14,300
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Two-tier stacking bin
ゴミ箱 分別 スリム 縦型 2段 40リットル 日本製 おしゃれ キッチン 収納ボックス ふた付き 省スペース 2分別 大容量 ワゴン ダストボックス リビング
¥4,378（家庭日用品のアスベル楽天市場店 · checked 2026-10-29）
Why this one: Stacks recyclables above burnables to use height instead of floor space.
Check on the item page: 2段 = two tiers. 縦型 = vertical. キャスター付き = on wheels.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥4,280Premium ¥10,280
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45 L bin with lid
ゴミ箱 ふた付き 45リットル対応 【全13種】 45l対応 おしゃれ 分別 キッチン ダストボックス 約幅20cm 約幅30cm リビング 30リットル 大き
¥4,180（モノギャラリー · checked 2026-10-29）
Why this one: Fits the common 45 L designated bag, so a week of burnables fits in one bag.
Check on the item page: 45リットル = 45 L. 袋が見えない = hides the bag edge. ペダル式 = foot pedal.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥3,980Premium ¥14,500
FAQ
- Do I have to use special garbage bags in Japan?
- In many cities, yes. Designated bags (指定袋) are sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, and garbage in other bags may be left uncollected. Check your city's rules.
- What time do I put garbage out in Japan?
- Usually on the morning of collection day, by around 8:00. Putting it out the night before is often not allowed. Your city's calendar has the details.
- How do I throw away furniture in Japan?
- Book an oversized-item (粗大ごみ) pickup with your city, buy the paid sticker at a convenience store, attach it, and put the item out on the given date.