Japanese city will name and shame people who break garbage rules

For those unaware, sorting one’s garbage can be a complicated process in Japan – a country that boasts one of the strictest garbage disposal regulations in the world.

But the situation in Fukushima city is going to be even more difficult.

Starting in March, the city government will investigate garbage bags that violate rules – such as those that are not sorted correctly, or that exceed size limits – and in some cases publicly scold their owners. Will identify.

The new rules, passed at a municipal meeting on Tuesday, come amid a long-running effort by Japan to enhance its waste management system.

While many cities in Japan inspect garbage bags before opening them, and some allow disclosure of offending businesses, Fukushima is believed to be the first city to allow disclosure of the names of both individuals and businesses, according to local media. Is planning.

Last year, more than 9,000 cases of non-compliant waste were reported in Fukushima.

Currently, instead of collecting garbage that does not comply with disposal rules, workers usually stick stickers on garbage bags informing residents about violations. Residents will then have to take their trash back inside, sort it again and hope the trash collectors get it right the next time they come.

Under Fukushima’s new rules, if trash isn’t cleaned up for a week, city workers can go through it and try to identify the culprits by sifting through items such as mail. Violators will be issued a verbal warning, followed by a written advisory before the last resort: their names will be published on the government website.

Amid privacy concerns, Fukushima officials said the waste would be inspected privately.

Japanese cities have their own guides on how to dispose of garbage. In Fukushima, garbage bags must be placed at collection points by 0830 each morning – but they cannot be left out the night before.

Different types of waste – divided into combustible, non-combustible and recyclable – are collected according to different schedules.

For items exceeding the prescribed dimensions, such as household appliances and furniture, residents must make an appointment to have them collected separately.

Fukushima Mayor Hiroshi Kohata said the new rules are meant to promote waste reduction and proper disposal methods.

“There is nothing illegal in publicizing malicious waste generators that do not follow regulations and do not follow the city’s guidance and advice,” Mainichi said, quoting officials.

Litter is taken very seriously in Japan, where since the 1990s the government has made it a national goal to shift it away from landfills, reduce waste, and promote recycling. Local authorities have launched their own initiatives in line with this goal.

Residents of Kamikatsu, a Japanese city with an ambitious zero-waste goal, proudly sort their waste into 45 categories. Kagoshima Prefecture has made it mandatory for residents to write their names on their garbage bags. And last year Chiba city piloted an AI assistant to help residents dispose of their trash properly.