ごみの分わけ方かたと出だし方かた

One of the first things that puzzles people who start living in Japan is how to sort rubbish. The detailed rules differ from city to city and town to town, so when you move you need to read the guide you receive at the local office carefully.

Rubbish is divided into categories such as "burnable", "non-burnable" and "recyclable". Plastic bottles are usually put out with the cap and label removed, and it is said to be good to rinse the inside lightly.

The day of the week and the time for putting rubbish out are fixed as well. If you do not put it out by the set morning time, you have to wait until the next collection.

Depending on the area, there are places where you must use designated bags. The bags can be bought at supermarkets and convenience stores, and they say the colour differs for each type of rubbish.

It may feel troublesome, but sorted rubbish is put to use as material for new products. To live comfortably with your neighbours, it is worth living while keeping to the rules.