In Japan, waste separation is quite detailed, and the rules can vary by region, which can make it challenging for many people to dispose of their trash.
Waste separation involves detailed rules based on the type of waste, and there are also separate disposal rules for large items such as appliances and furniture, known as ‘bulky waste’.
This article uses Chiba Prefecture’s Chiba City as an example to introduce how Smart Relocate handles the disposal of large-sized ‘bulky waste,’ including appliances and furniture.
Unknowingly disposing of furniture and appliances as regular household waste can lead to rule violations, so please consider this as a reference for living in Japan.
What qualifies as bulky waste in Japan?
Bulky waste in Chiba city is classified as items that cannot be placed in Chiba City-designated garbage bags or even when securely closed, exceed the bag’s capacity, are considered bulky waste
When disposing of furniture or appliances during activities such as moving or large-scale cleaning, they are treated as bulky waste.
Bulky waste often cannot be collected when disposed of as regular waste. If you dispose of it as regular waste, it will not be collected and will be left at the designated waste collection area.
Throwing bulky waste into regular trash is a violation of the rules, so please be mindful and avoid doing so.
An approximate cost estimate for bulky waste collection
In Japan, a collection fee is required to dispose of bulky waste.
The approximate fees for furniture and appliances are as follows:
参考>>Chiba City’s Collection Price List
Here are the approximate fees for various items:
- Table: Starting from 390 yen
- Wardrobe or Chair: Starting from 390 yen each
- Bed Frame or Mattress: Starting from 780 yen each
- Bookshelf: Starting from 780 yen
- Vacuum Cleaner: Starting from 390 yen
To dispose of bulky waste, you need to purchase a ‘bulky waste disposal ticket’ with a predetermined amount based on the item you are disposing of.
In Chiba City, bulky waste disposal tickets can primarily be purchased at the city hall or convenience stores.
Items that cannot be collected as bulky waste.
Let me also provide information about items that cannot be collected as bulky waste
Items that are difficult to dispose of or hazardous materials
Items that are challenging to dispose of cannot be disposed of as bulky waste.
In many cases, you can consult the store where you made the purchase regarding disposal.
- Mini Bike
- Gas Cylinder
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Fire Extinguisher
- Gasoline
- Thinner
- Safe
- Piano
- Battery
Large appliances specified under the Household Appliance Recycling Act.
In Japan, under the Household Appliance Recycling Act, the following large appliances cannot be disposed of as bulky waste.
- Refrigerator
- Air conditioner
- Television
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryer etc.
When disposing of large appliances, it is often convenient to request collection through the store where you made the purchase.
The procedure for disposing of bulky waste in Japan
Typically, to dispose of bulky waste, you need to make a prior reservation either online or by phone.
Telephone reservations are accepted from Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. When calling, you will need to provide your address, name, phone number, and the type and quantity of bulky waste.
After applying for collection, you will receive information regarding the fee for bulky waste collection. You will then need to purchase the required bulky waste disposal tickets in the specified amount。
On the day of collection, attach the bulky waste disposal tickets to the bulky waste items and place them in front of your house or at the designated waste collection location.
When disposing of bulky waste, be sure to keep the following points in mind:
- Write your registration number or your name on the bulky waste disposal ticket.
- Attach the ticket to each item where it is visible.
- Deliver the items to the designated location on the collection day as notified by the reception center.
- Keep the purchaser’s copy (receipt) until the bulky waste collection is completed.
You can also transport bulky waste to the processing facility yourself. In many cases, self-transport can be a slightly more cost-effective option
When bringing bulky waste for disposal, be sure to pay attention to the reception hours and other requirements
You can not only dispose of bulky waste but also, if the items are still usable, sell them to people in need using Japanese peer-to-peer selling apps like Mercari.
Moving to Japan? Choose Smart Relocate for your life support needs
When moving from overseas to Japan, trust Smart Relocate for your life support needs
We offer a wide range of services, from property hunting to relocation procedures to support for your life after moving to Japan.
For email inquiries, please contact us from this form：English Contact Form
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