Japan guide
Out and about
Rubbish & recycling
You'll notice the streets are clean and there are almost no public bins. Most people carry their rubbish until they find one, or take it home.
3 steps · 4 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (2)
Where to throw things away
Step by step
Keep a small bag for your rubbish while you're out.
Most train stations and convenience stores have bins.
Vending machines usually have a bin for bottles and cans next to them.
Common mistakes
- Leaving rubbish on a bench, wall or vending machine.
- Putting household rubbish into a convenience store bin — they're meant for what you bought there.
Sorting
Bins are split by type. The labels you'll see most:
- 燃えるごみ (moeru gomi): burnable — food waste, paper, tissues.
- ペットボトル (petto botoru): plastic bottles. Take off the cap and label if there's a separate slot.
- 缶・びん (kan, bin): cans and glass bottles. Empty them first.
- 燃えないごみ (moenai gomi): non-burnable — small metal items, ceramics, glass that isn't a bottle.
Common mistakes
- Throwing a half-full drink into the bottle bin.
Where you're staying
Rules differ by town. Short-stay apartments often give you sorting instructions and set days. If you're unsure, ask the host — and put bags out only on the collection day.
Common mistakes
- Leaving rubbish bags at the building entrance when you check out.
Sources
Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japanese Customs and Etiquette (Responsible Travel Guide)(opens in a new tab)JNTO: Japanese customs and etiquette for responsible travel
NextBowing, quiet & toilets
