Recycling Rules in Nagoya: A Simple Guide to Garbage Separation in Japan

2026.01.16

One of the biggest everyday challenges for many foreigners in Japan is garbage separation.
“What kind of trash is this?” “Which bag do I use?” “Am I allowed to just throw this away?”

Japan has detailed rules, and Nagoya has its own system and English guides, so once you understand the basics, daily life becomes much easier.

Basic Garbage Separation in Japan

Rules differ by city, but most places in Japan divide household waste into four main categories: MATCHA

Main Category	Typical Examples
Burnable (Combustible)	Kitchen waste, paper scraps, tissues, clothes
Non-burnable	Metal, glass, ceramics, some small appliances
Recyclables	PET bottles, glass bottles, cans, newspapers
Large-sized (Bulky)	Furniture, large appliances, big items over a set size

Each municipality then adds more detailed rules—especially for recyclables and bulky items. That’s why you must always check the local city/ward guide after you move.

How Garbage Separation Works in Nagoya

Nagoya City has its own garbage and recycling system, and provides detailed English guides and PDFs for foreign residents. 名古屋市公式サイト+1

The main categories in Nagoya are:

・Burnable Garbage
・Non-burnable Garbage
・Recyclables (bottles, cans, PET bottles, paper, etc.)

・Large-sized Garbage (oversized items)
・Special categories such as small appliances, batteries, fluorescent lights (often handled via collection boxes or special rules)

Nagoya also uses city-designated garbage bags for household waste, and has specific rules on size and how to set them out. 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Types of Garbage in Nagoya and How to Separate Them

 Always confirm details with the latest Nagoya City pamphlet or app, as rules can change.

Burnable Garbage

Examples:

・Food scraps, fruit peels, tea leaves
・Paper tissues, dirty paper, small paper scraps
・Small pieces of wood, leather, rubber, some plastics
・Old clothes and textiles (if not recycled)

How to dispose:

・Put into a designated Nagoya City bag for burnable waste
・Drain water from kitchen waste to reduce smell
・Tie the bag securely and put it out on the correct collection day (usually twice a week) 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Non-burnable Garbage

Examples:

・Metal items (pots, pans, cutlery)

・Glass (cups, broken glass—wrap safely), ceramics
・Some small appliances and tools
・Items that cannot be safely burned

 

How to dispose:

・Use the designated bag or follow your ward’s instructions
・Wrap sharp objects in paper and mark “danger” if required
・Check if certain items (batteries, fluorescent lights, thermometers) must be taken to Environmental Works Offices or collection points rather than put in regular bags 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Recyclable Garbage (資源ごみ)

Nagoya separates various items as recyclables, such as: 名古屋市公式サイト+1

・PET bottles (drink, soy sauce, etc.)
・Glass bottles (separate by color in some areas)
・Cans (aluminum & steel drink/food cans)
・Paper (newspapers, cardboard, sometimes magazines and cartons)

Basic rules:

・Rinse bottles and cans lightly
・Remove caps and labels from PET bottles as instructed
・Don’t mix everything together—use the correct container or bag for each type
・Follow the schedule: some items are collected weekly, others less frequently

Large-sized Garbage (Bulky Items)

Items that are over a certain size (e.g., more than 30 cm in any direction) are treated as large-sized garbage. 名古屋市公式サイト

Examples:

・Furniture (tables, chairs, shelves)
・Large home items (futons, big rugs)

For these:

1. You cannot just put them in normal bags. 
2. You must book a collection day with the city or take them to a designated location. 
3. A fee usually applies. 

Home Appliances and Recycling Laws

Some large appliances are covered by Japan’s Home Appliance Recycling Law, so the city does not collect them as normal bulky garbage. MATCHA+1

Examples:

・Air conditioners
・TVs
・Refrigerators and freezers
・Washing machines and clothes dryers

These usually must be:

・Returned to the store where you bought them, or
・Taken to a designated collection point, with a separate recycling fee

Garbage Bags in Nagoya

Nagoya generally uses designated city garbage bags for household waste. These bags are: 名古屋市公式サイト+1

・Sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.
・Available in different sizes
・Required for collection in many cases

If you use the wrong bag or mix categories, your garbage may be left at the collection point with a warning sticker, and not picked up.

Where and When to Put Out Garbage

Collection Points

There are two main systems:

・Shared collection area (集積場) for apartments and neighborhoods

・Door-to-door collection in some detached house areas

Always:

・Use the correct place (ask your landlord or neighbors)
・Keep the area clean and tidy—this is part of community rules in Japan

Collection Days & Time

・Each neighborhood has a collection schedule (e.g., burnable: Mon/Thu, recyclables: Wed, etc.)
・Schedules differ even within the same city, so check your area’s garbage calendar or city website nic-nagoya.or.jp+1

・Many areas require you to put your trash out in the morning (e.g., by 8:00) on the day of collection—not the night before

Useful Tools for Foreign Residents in Nagoya

Nagoya City offers multiple tools in foreign languages: nic-nagoya.or.jp+1

・“Nagoya City Garbage Reduction and Recycling Guide” 
・3R (ThreeR) Recyclables and Waste Separation App – helps you search how to dispose of specific items
・Nagoya International Center (NIC) – can provide help and even phone interpretation when contacting city offices

When you move into a new apartment, make sure to:

1. Get the multilingual pamphlet for your ward 
2. Download the 3R app 
3. Ask your landlord or neighbors about local rules and collection points 

FAQ: Recycling Rules in Nagoya & Garbage Separation in Japan

Q1. How many garbage categories are there in Nagoya?

Nagoya roughly separates household waste into burnable, non-burnable, recyclables, and large-sized garbage, plus special handling for certain appliances and hazardous items. 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Q2. Do I have to use special garbage bags?

Yes. In principle, you should use designated Nagoya City garbage bags for household waste. These are sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and similar shops. Using the wrong bags may result in your trash not being collected. 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Q3. How do I know which day to put out each type of garbage?

Check:

・The garbage calendar you receive when moving in
・The Nagoya City website
・The 3R app for separation and collection information

Schedules differ by neighborhood, so always confirm your specific address. nic-nagoya.or.jp+1

Q4. What happens if I don’t separate garbage correctly?

If categories are mixed or bags are wrong, the collection crew may leave your bag behind with a warning sticker. Repeated problems can lead to complaints from neighbors or your landlord, so it’s important to follow the rules. E-Housing+1

Q5. How do I dispose of PET bottles, cans, and bottles?

In most areas of Nagoya:

・Empty and rinse the contents
・Remove caps and labels as requested
・Place them in the correct bag or box for recyclables (often separated by PET, cans, glass)

Always double-check your ward’s guide for the exact procedure. 名古屋市公式サイト+1

Q6. Where can I get garbage information in English?

You can:

・Download the Nagoya City Garbage Reduction and Recycling Guide in English
・Use the 3R app
・Ask the Nagoya International Center (NIC) for help or interpretation when contacting the city offices nic-nagoya.or.jp+1

Make Garbage Separation Easier: Stay at NAGOYA APARTMENT

If you’re staying in Nagoya medium- or long-term, understanding local recycling rules and garbage separation is much easier when your accommodation supports you.

NAGOYA APARTMENT offers:

・Fully furnished apartments with kitchen and appliances
・Properties located within 10 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car from Nagoya Station
・Units in convenient areas such as Chikusa, Imaike, Ozone, Nagoya Station, Kasadera, Osu, and Ikeshita

For stays of 31 nights or more, NAGOYA APARTMENT can be used as a monthly apartment with:

・No key money or security deposit
・Ready-to-live-in rooms
・Clear guidance on everyday living in Japan—including how to separate and dispose of garbage correctly

If you want a stress-free life in Nagoya, with easy access to the city and support for Japan’s garbage rules, NAGOYA APARTMENT is an excellent base for your stay.