An overview of solid waste and hazardous waste in Japan

Abstract

There is 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 large scale landfills and region wide sewage systems, are not feasible in Japan, where smaller systems are necessary. Because the industrial structure is changing rapid- ly, 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-centralized handling of the waste. On the other hand, new types of industrial wastes are being produced which presents a greater challenge for Japanese industry.