Welcome to everyone starting a new life in Osaka City! You must be thrilled to begin your days in this vibrant city.
But at the same time, you might be feeling that the garbage disposal rules in Osaka seem a bit complicated, right?
Don’t worry. It’s not difficult once you get the hang of the rules. In this article, we will explain everything about Osaka City’s official garbage rules—from separation categories to collection schedules—in a way that anyone can understand.
After reading this, you’ll be a garbage disposal master!
🚮 First Things First! Garbage Bags and a Handy App for Osaka City
Unlike some other municipalities, Osaka City does not have “official paid city garbage bags.” Instead, the rule is to use “clear or semi-transparent bags that show the contents inside.” Standard garbage bags sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, and 100-yen shops are perfectly fine.
【Super Convenient!】Garbage Sorting App “San-R”
Osaka City provides an official app that lets you easily check collection days and how to sort garbage. By setting your local area, the app will notify you of collection days. We strongly recommend downloading it!
✅ How to Separate Your Garbage: A Category-by-Category Guide
Garbage in Osaka City is broadly divided into five categories. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. Regular Garbage (Collected twice a week)
This is the most common type of garbage. The key point is that many plastic items are included in “Regular Garbage.”
- Kitchen scraps (drain excess water first)
- Leather products, rubber products, CDs, video tapes
- Dirty plastic containers and packaging (e.g., a ketchup bottle you can’t get clean)
- Plastic products without the “Plā” mark (toys, stationery, toothbrushes, buckets, etc.)
2. Plastic Containers and Packaging (Collected once a week)
This category is for plastic “containers” and “packaging” that held or wrapped a product, and which have the “Plā” mark (プラ) on them.
- Caps and labels from PET bottles
- Shampoo and detergent bottles
- Egg cartons, food trays
- Snack bags, plastic shopping bags
How to dispose: Please rinse them lightly to remove any contents and let them dry. If they are very dirty, throw them out with Regular Garbage.
3. Recyclable Garbage (Collected once a week)
This category is for recyclable “empty cans, empty bottles, and metal household items.”
- Beverage and food cans/bottles
- Metal items like pots, kettles, and frying pans
- Spray cans and gas canisters (ensure they are completely empty, but do not puncture them)
How to dispose: Please rinse them lightly. Note that cosmetic jars and glass tableware are considered Regular Garbage.
4. Used Paper and Clothes (Collected once a week)
This includes newspapers, cardboard, magazines, and clothes. These items are often handled by local “community collections,” so be sure to check the specific rules for your neighborhood.
How to dispose: Tie them in bundles by type (e.g., newspapers together) with a string. It’s considerate to wait for the next collection day if it’s raining.
5. Oversized Garbage (Sodai Gomi / By appointment, paid)
Household waste where the longest side is over 30cm, or items that are over 1m long like a pole, are considered “Oversized Garbage.” (e.g., furniture, bicycles, futons).
- Apply by phone or internet: Contact the “Oversized Garbage Collection Center” to schedule a pickup.
- Confirm the fee: Tell them the type and size of the item to confirm the disposal fee.
- Purchase a disposal ticket: Buy an “Oversized Garbage Disposal Fee Ticket” for the confirmed amount at a convenience store or supermarket.
- Attach the ticket and put it out: Write your name or reception number on the ticket, attach it to a visible spot on the item, and place it at the designated location on the morning of your collection day.
📅 When to Take Out the Garbage? About the Collection Schedule
Collection days are set according to your ward and neighborhood. The most reliable way to check is by entering your address on the Osaka City website or by using the “San-R” garbage sorting app mentioned earlier.
【Important】Basic Garbage Disposal Rules
Please take your garbage out on the morning of the collection day by 9:00 AM. Putting it out the night before can lead to crows making a mess. Use the designated collection spot.
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