Confused about Trash Bins in Japan? This Japan Travel Guide explains How to Throw Away Garbage, Sorting Rules, and Basic Manners for Travelers!
Why Are There So Few Trash Bins in Japan?
When traveling in Japan, many visitors are surprised to see how clean the streets are, even though trash bins are hard to find.
There are several reasons why public trash bins are limited in Japan.
One reason is security concerns—many public trash bins were removed in the past for safety and anti-terrorism measures.
Another reason is cultural: in Japan, there is a strong belief that people should take their trash home.
Because of this, rather than looking for a trash bin, it is common in Japan to
try not to create trash in the first place, and to carry it with you if you do.
Simply understanding this mindset can greatly reduce stress during your trip to Japan.
Garbage Sorting Rules in Japan That Foreign Visitors Should Know
In Japan, sorting trash properly is very important.
The detailed rules can vary by area and facility, but while traveling, there are 4 BASIC CATEGORIES you should know.
Burnable Trash (Moeru-Gomi)
This includes food leftovers, paper waste, tissues, and wooden chopsticks.
Plastic food containers from convenience stores are also often considered burnable trash if they are dirty.
If you are unsure, it is generally safe to remember:
“When in doubt, burnable trash.”
Non-Burnable Trash (Moenai-Gomi)
This category includes small metal items, clean plastic products, and glass items.
If you are not sure which category something belongs to while sightseeing, do not worry too much about perfect sorting. In that case, it is usually acceptable to throw it away as burnable trash.
However, items that contain batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries must be handled separately, as they can cause fires.
Do not throw these items away outside. Always dispose of them at your hotel.
When throwing them away at the hotel, it is a good idea to place them in a separate bag so that staff can easily identify them.
Plastic Bottles (PET-Bottle)
Before throwing away plastic bottles, make sure they are empty.
Ideally, the label and cap should be removed and disposed of as non-burnable trash.
However, when throwing them away outside, it is acceptable to dispose of the bottle with the label and cap still attached, as long as you use a PET bottle bin.
Bottles and Cans (Bin and Can)
Like plastic bottles, bottles and cans should be emptied before disposal.
In many places, bottles and cans can be thrown away in the same bin.
Where Should You Throw Away Trash While Sightseeing?
In Japan, places where you can throw away trash are limited, but you can usually find trash bins in the following locations:
- Inside train stations
- Convenience stores
- Shopping malls and large commercial facilities
- Next to vending machines (for cans and plastic bottles only)
However, throwing away a large amount of trash in these places is considered bad manners.
The basic rule is: throw away your trash where you bought it.
Trash from Eating While Walking
For trash from street food or takeout meals, it is best to throw it away at the shop where you purchased the food whenever possible.
At festivals or event venues, trash disposal areas are always provided, so make sure to use them.
If you cannot find a trash bin, simply take the trash with you.
When You Really Cannot Find a Place to Throw It Away
In the worst case, the correct choice is to take all your trash back to your hotel.
Hotels are designed to handle guests’ trash, so this option is the least likely to cause problems.
It is also a good idea to carry a plastic bag from a convenience store and use it as a temporary trash bag while you are out.
Keep your trash in the bag and throw it away when you return to your hotel—it’s the smart and polite way to handle trash in Japan.
Trash Manners That Are Not Acceptable in Japan
In Japan, good manners around trash are taken very seriously.
In particular, you should pay attention to the following points.
- Never litter. Littering is strictly unacceptable.
- Do not throw away large amounts of trash just because there is a trash bin.
- Do not treat convenience stores or commercial facilities like trash disposal sites.
In particular, throwing away a large amount of trash from sightseeing all at once at places like convenience stores is considered rude and is not appreciated by locals.
A Useful Phrase to Remember
If you are unsure about where to throw away your trash, the safest option is to ask.
In Japan, asking questions like this is not considered rude.
You only need to remember one simple phrase:
“Gomi o suteru basho wa doko desu ka?”
(ごみを捨てる場所はどこですか？)
＝ “Where can I throw this away?”
Even if the person does not speak English, you can usually get your message across by pointing at your trash while saying this phrase.
Most people will kindly show you the correct place or gesture where to dispose of it.
Learn Japanese Manners for a More Enjoyable Trip
Learning how to dispose of trash properly is one of the first steps to understanding Japanese culture.
By following the correct manners, cities stay clean and you can enjoy your trip more comfortably as well.
Please respect Japan’s trash etiquette and have a wonderful journey in Japan!😀
