Recycling in Japan gains momentum

Recycling is gathering momentum in Japan, where more drinks containers, household appliances and vehicles than ever before are being recycled. But problems have emerged with the present recycling system, which works on the assuption that all used resources remain on Japanese soil.

Last May, China claimed that “unrecyclable foreign objects” had been found in shipments coming in from Japan and responded by banning imports of used plastics from Japan. However, there is evidence to suggest that Japan is continuing to export used plastics to China via Hong Kong.

A law requiring the recycling of household appliances went into effect in Japan in 2001 and under this consumers are required to take responsibility for some of the costs involved in disposing of four types of household appliances, including TVs. Under the law, makers of household appliances are obliged to collect and recycle their own used products.

However, there is a way for consumers to get around this. Some companies offer them the option of returning them for resale. If they choose this option, they do not have to pay any recycling costs. The appliances are then exported, mainly to Southeast Asia.

This is where confusion arises. Companies involved in this activity claim that used appliances place a smaller burden on the environment if they have their lifespan lengthened in this manner. Meanwhile, appliance makers claim that it is ultimately better to dispose of all used appliances in Japan rather than send them to other countries where there is no established recycling framework and they face an uncertain future.

The Environment Ministry has admitted that it had not foreseen such complications, with a ministry spokesperson stating that “We didn’t expect used materials to be funnelled into global distribution channels to such a degree”.