As a person who is quite concerned about protecting the environment, I always took the initiative to classify garbage into two types: recyclable and non-recyclable, even when in Vietnam. However, after setting foot in Japan, I was completely overwhelmed by the way Japanese people deal with waste.

Here are the answers to questions that people often asked me when they first came to Japan.

Question 1: What should I do if I want to throw the trash but can't find any bin?

In the first few days after arriving in Japan, I discovered an interesting fact that there were not so many garbage bins placed around the city, or even in the train stations.

If you want to throw the trash, find the garbage bin in the nearest convenience store or next to the vending machine, and you’re good to go.

One friendly reminder here, the garbage bin next to a vending machine is for cans or water bottles purchased from that machine only.

This information will help you find a place to throw your trash easier, instead of putting it in the backpack and discarding it after returning to the hotel like me.

Question 2: I don't know how to classify the garbage?

Very simply, you just need to remember number 6 - the miracle number:

1 - Burnable Garbage

Burnable garbage refers to food that you consume daily be discarded such as leftover rice and vegetables, fruit peel, eggshell, etc.

Make sure to squeeze the garbage to remove the water and wrap them with newspaper before throwing them into the bin.

2 – Non-burnable Garbage

Shampoo bottles, baby toy storage bags, light bulbs, running shoes, or any product that is in general made from plastic, nylon, or rubber called non-burnable garbage.

3 - Resource Garbage

Let's put it this way so that you can remember it easier: things that are often sold for scrap, for example, books, newspapers, empty cans, bicycles, electrical appliances (stove, television, etc.), and clothes.

4 - Hazardous Waste

When it comes to hazardous waste, the first thing to mention is the thermometer. When I was a kid, every time I used the thermometer, I was always afraid of dropping it since the mercury inside has toxic effects on health.

Besides, batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs also belong to this group.

5 - Oversized Garbage

Commonly found in the bedroom such as wardrobe, dressing table, desk, bed, mattress, etc.

6 - Collected Waste

Wasted oil, tires, etc.

Question 3: I have already classified the garbage, but can't throw it away?

In Vietnam, we often take out the garbage around 5:00 pm every day, even without classifying it, while in Japan, it is entirely different.

In Japan, before taking the trash out of your house, make sure to check which type of garbage will be collected that day.

Let me introduce the app called threeR – which updates the garbage collection schedule of your area and reminds you to put out the bin on time.

After installing the app, choose your location, set the language and you can see the schedule.

An advantage of this app is the availability of the Vietnamese language, which is really suitable for travellers or international students who are new to Japan.

This app is super easy to use, right? Please actively update the schedule of your area through the app to save your time and comply with the area's regulations!