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Garbage Disposal Guide in Kobe
So, you’ve arrived in Japan and begun settling into your new life here. But amidst the excitement, there’s one perplexing question that keeps nagging you: what on earth am I supposed to do with all this trash?
Garbage Collection in Japan
Each city or prefecture in Japan has its own trash collection rules and schedules, and in this article, we will be focusing on the garbage sorting and collection in Kobe City.
When and Where to Take the Trash Out
First things first, make sure to take the trash out from 5:00-8:00 am on the designated collection day. Keep it inside the big garbage bin or under the net to outsmart those pesky crows.
Click here for the printable version of the garbage disposal guide: english (kobe.lg.jp)
The four main categories for types of garbage are:
- Burnable
- Non-burnable
- Recyclable (Cans, Bottles, PET bottles, Container Plastics and Trays)
- Oversized Garbage
These categories have different trash bags assigned to them, and usually they can be distinguished by the color.
Let’s Break Down the Categories
Burnable
Stuff like kitchen waste, paper, plastics, and diapers go into a blue bag with a red label. It gets picked up twice a week.
Non-burnable
Glass, ceramics, and small appliances hang out in a transparent bag with a green label.
Recyclables (Cans, Bottles, PET bottles)
Cans, Bottles, PET bottles go in a transparent bag with a blue label. Remove the caps, rinse them out, crush the PET bottles, and keep them separate from other garbage.
- Note: spray cans, gas cartridges, aerosol cans, etc. – gotta handle those with care! Before you toss them, make sure they’re all used up to avoid surprise explosions. These things need their own space, so put them in a see-through bag, separate from the rest of the non-burnable trash.
Recyclables (Container Plastics and Trays)
Anything with a プラ label is a go for the transparent bag with an orange label. Give them a rinse and make sure they are empty before tossing.
Oversized baggage
If it’s too chunky for a 45L bag or weighs over 5kg, it’s considered oversized baggage. Take note that appliances are not accepted as oversized garbage.
Where to Buy the Trash Bags
You can buy the garbage bags in the supermarkets or convenience stores.
What Happens if you Ignore Garbage Disposal Rules?
If you do not follow the disposal rules in your area, your trash might end up hanging out at the collection station instead of getting picked up. Better stick to the plan!
Garbage Duty in Our Share House
In our share houses, Living Place Kobe Hanakuma and Share House Palette Sannomiya, every tenant has a shared responsibility to manage garbage disposal. This duty rotates among residents to ensure fairness and equal participation. A simple system we applied involves using tags hanged near the door to indicate whose turn it is to handle the task.
During move-in orientation, we always provide detailed explanations about garbage duties and the location duties and the location of the garbage station. It’s crucial for each tenant to listen attentively during this time to maintain the cleanliness of the share house. If there’s any uncertainty about the garbage duty, you can ask your housemates or reach out to the share house staff for assistance.
Where to Stay in Kobe
Share House Palette Kobe Sannomiya is a 5-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station, Living Place Kobe Hanakuma is only a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Hanakuma Station!
Please click here for more details about the share house with furniture, electric appliances and free wifi!
Reservations for tours are always welcome!
Reno Style Nunobiki is a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station!
Click here for details of the monthly apartments with furnished kitchen!
Please feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a place to stay for your homecoming, business trip, travel, workcation, training, etc.