An overview on solid waste and hazardous waste in Japan

Abstract

There are not enough accurate data on the discharge and disposal of industrial solid waste in Japan, but an estimate is possible. This estimate shows that further recovery and recycling of resources is possible. The classification and disposal of hazardous waste is not satisfactory in Japan. On the other hand, many efforts are described for the substitution, reduction, recovery, recycling, separation, treatment and disposal of solid waste. All purpose technical solutions, such as a large scale landfill and a region-wide sewerage system, are not feasible in Japan, where smaller systems are necessary. Because industrial structure is changing rapidly, it is difficult to estimate further trends, but generally the change is in the direction of less resource consumption and less waste discharge, with more de-centralised handling of the waste. On the other hand, new types of industrial waste are being produced which present a great challenge for Japanese industry.