The Cultural Etiquette
One of the reasons why there are no public trash cans in Japan is due to the cultural etiquette surrounding waste disposal. Japanese society places a significant emphasis on cleanliness and taking personal responsibility for one’s trash. As a result, people often carry their trash with them until they find a suitable place to dispose of it.
The Fear of Terrorism
Another factor contributing to the lack of public trash cans in Japan is the fear of terrorism. Following the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway in 1995, public garbage cans were removed as a safety measure to prevent the concealment of explosive devices or hazardous materials.
The Privatization of Waste Management
In Japan, waste management is primarily the responsibility of individuals and businesses, rather than the government. This privatized system encourages citizens to separate their garbage into categories such as burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable, and dispose of it properly at designated collection points.
Case Study: Kamikatsu
The town of Kamikatsu in Japan is known for its innovative approach to waste management. They have achieved almost zero waste by implementing a strict recycling program that requires residents to meticulously sort their garbage into 45 different categories. This has inspired other communities in Japan to adopt similar practices.
Statistics
- Japan recycles 77% of its plastic waste, compared to just 9% in the United States.
- Only 16% of Japan’s municipal waste goes to landfills, while the rest is either incinerated or recycled.
- The Japanese government aims to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030 through initiatives such as portion control and food recycling.
