Free word search
Category
Complete Guide to Garbage Disposal in Suginami Ward: Sorting Rules and How to Avoid Mistakes
2026.06.11
(1).jpg)
Incorrect garbage disposal can lead to neighborhood trouble. By understanding the proper sorting rules, you can maintain good relationships with your neighbors.
In this guide, we thoroughly explain Suginami Ward’s garbage separation rules, whether designated trash bags are required, and practical tips to avoid missing collection days. We also provide easy-to-understand explanations for foreign residents. If you are starting a new life in Suginami, this is a must-read.
Garbage Sorting Rules in Suginami Ward, Tokyo
If you ever wonder, “What category does this belong to?”, here is a summary of Suginami Ward’s garbage separation rules.
Category | Main Types of Waste | Collection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Burnable Garbage | Food waste, paper scraps, clothing, bags, rubber bands, etc. | Twice a week |
| Non-Burnable Garbage | Metal, glass, ceramic bowls, dry batteries, small appliances | Twice a month |
| Recyclables | Paper, bottles, cans, PET bottles, plastic packaging, etc. | Once a week |
Although the sorting system in Suginami is relatively simple, plastic waste has specific rules.
In Suginami Ward, plastic containers and packaging are collected as recyclables. When disposing of them as recyclable waste, you must completely empty the contents and quickly rinse off any residue.
Items Classified as Recyclable Plastic
Plastic packaging with the “plastic mark,” such as:
・Shampoo and detergent bottles
・Bento lunch containers
・Meat and fish trays
・Egg cartons
・Plastic shopping bags
・Bubble wrap (packing material), etc.
Items Classified as Burnable Garbage
・Plastic items that cannot be cleaned properly (e.g., mayonnaise containers, toothpaste tubes)
・Plastic products themselves (toys, plastic wrap, toothbrushes, straws, etc.)
Important Points When Taking Out Garbage
・Rinse bottles and cans and place them in a transparent bag or designated container. If using a container, do not place them inside a bag.
・Remove caps and labels from PET bottles and separate them as plastic packaging. Rinse the bottle, crush it, and place it in a transparent bag or container.
For oversized garbage (items with any side longer than 30 cm), such as furniture or bicycles, advance reservation is required. Apply by phone or online through the Oversized Garbage Reception Center, attach the paid disposal sticker, and place the item out on the designated date.
Garbage Disposal Etiquette
Garbage collection in Suginami Ward begins at 8:00 a.m.
Please avoid putting out garbage the night before, as it can attract crows or increase the risk of arson. To prevent crow damage, Suginami Ward recommends using anti-crow nets.
Are Designated Garbage Bags Required in Suginami Ward?
For those moving from other municipalities, garbage bag rules may be a concern. In conclusion, Suginami Ward does not require designated garbage bags.
Unlike many municipalities where you must purchase official bags that cost several dozen yen per bag, in Suginami you may use commercially available trash bags. However, you must use either a container with a lid or a transparent bag that allows the contents to be seen. Clear bags sold at supermarkets or home centers are acceptable.
Suginami Ward also recommends the use of special yellow garbage bags that help deter crows. These bags come in 20L, 30L, and 45L sizes and can be purchased at the “Commu-Cal Shop” inside the ward office and at some supermarkets and drugstores in the ward.
These official yellow bags contain special materials that help repel crows. Please note that ordinary yellow bags do not have this effect.
Don’t Miss Collection Days! Two Essential Tips
Garbage collection days in Suginami Ward vary by area and are assigned to specific weekdays. To avoid forgetting, here are two effective tips:
1. Use the Free Official App
Installing the official Suginami Ward garbage sorting app on your smartphone makes it easy to:
・Search items by name
・Check collection days
The app supports seven languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Nepali. Even if you don’t know the name of the item, you can take a photo and send it through the app to receive sorting instructions.
2. Use Calendars and Stickers
Physical reminders are also effective.
For example, placing a sticker on your garbage bin lid that says “Mon/Thu: Burnable Garbage” naturally increases awareness on collection days.
For non-burnable garbage (collected only twice a month), marking the dates with a circle on a wall calendar helps prevent missed disposal.
In Conclusion
Failing to follow garbage disposal rules can cause neighborhood disputes. Make use of apps and calendars to develop the habit of proper garbage disposal.
At LandHousing, a real estate company in Suginami Ward, we also support international students in finding housing. If you have just arrived in Japan and are unfamiliar with local rules, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Related Articles
