Volume of recycled plastic waste Japan 2022, by method

At over five million metric tons annually, most of the plastic waste in Japan was recycled using the thermal recycling method in 2021. This method involves incinerating plastic waste to generate energy. Despite advanced filtering technologies, the incineration process emits greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution and global warming. Only a small amount of plastic waste undergoes material recycling, where it is reused to manufacture new plastic products. 

Japan's packaging waste and recycling efforts

The packaging sector is the largest generator of single-use plastic waste globally. In Japan, plastic constitutes a significant portion of the containers and packaging waste, with plastic containers and packaging being the largest contributors with almost half the share. Japanese citizens usually sort their waste before collection, with some municipalities having up to 45 subcategories of waste. Plastic, PET bottles, aluminum, and glass are usually collected separately to be recycled. As awareness for sustainability grows, many Japanese people are making efforts to reduce plastic waste, mostly by using reusable bags, also known as "eco bags", and avoiding plastic bag usage. 

Japan's rising recycling rates amidst persistent plastic pollution

Japan’s plastic waste recycling rate has been on the rise in recent years, reaching around 87 percent. However, plastic waste pollution remains a prominent environmental issue. Plastics can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, during which they infiltrate marine ecosystems, damage soil, and contaminate groundwater, posing serious health risks to both animals and humans. In response to this issue, Japan has implemented various measures to reduce plastic waste. These include initiatives aiming for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2025, with some companies replacing plastic with paper alternatives.