Climate Change

A Japanese Town Leading the Way to a Trash-Free Community

Ms. Fujita moved to Osaki in 2021 to work with the municipality, business sector and local community to help prepare the town for a more sustainable future. Today, Osaki, with a population of around 12,000, recycles a remarkable 80 per cent of its waste, and was able to avoid building an incineration plant.

“I have always wanted to work for something related to the climate crisis, and strongly felt that I needed to act. That is why I came to Osaki. Here, waste is sorted into 27 different categories. Since there is no incineration plant, only blue bags go directly to the landfill without getting incinerated, whilst the other 26 categories are sorted and recycled properly.

For example, plastics will be separated into different types and then compressed. The compressed waste will then be taken to recycling factories all over the country.

We can all make a difference

Food waste is collected three times a week with a blue bucket. It is crushed into smaller pieces. Pruned plants will also be brought in here, and they are mixed together with the food waste. The pruned plants contain many native microorganisms. As they decompose, the waste turns into a rich compost, almost all which is used as on Osaki’s farms. 

I think the process is very simple and can be practiced anywhere in the world. In fact, our process has been introduced to Indonesia: Osaki Town officials and the recycling centre staff went there to demonstrate our techniques for separating and composting food waste. This may become a solution to a problem that many developing nations face right now.

I really feel people should learn more about the process of what happens to products after we use them, and how complex the issue of waste is. At the same time, they will realize that we can reduce waste. Businesses and local governments also need to understand the situation. We have to mobilize everyone to make a difference.”

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15 Comments

  1. As a sustainability enthusiast, I am truly inspired by Osaki’s dedication to recycling and waste reduction. Ms. Fujita’s work in leading the town towards a more eco-friendly future is commendable. The innovative practices like sorting waste into 27 categories and converting food waste into compost are practical solutions that can be implemented globally. It’s heartening to see such initiatives making a positive impact on the environment.

  2. I believe that Osaki’s waste management process is truly inspirational. The dedication to sustainability and the efficient sorting of waste into different categories show that small communities can lead by example in creating a waste-free environment. The composting of food waste and native plants is a simple yet effective method that can be replicated globally. Mrs. Fujita’s work in Osaki is commendable and sets a benchmark for other towns to follow.

  3. Could you provide more details on how Osaki manages to sort waste into 27 different categories? Is the process complex or easily replicable in other communities?

    1. Sorting waste into 27 different categories in Osaki is efficiently managed by dedicated teams who ensure each type of waste is properly identified and placed in the correct bins. While it may seem complex at first, the process is actually quite straightforward once residents are educated on the sorting guidelines. With proper training and community involvement, this method can definitely be replicated in other communities seeking to enhance their recycling efforts. It’s all about collective efforts towards a more sustainable future.

  4. Could you provide more details on how Osaki Town manages to sort and recycle waste into 27 different categories? It seems like a very effective system!

    1. Indeed, Mrs. Smith, Osaki Town’s waste management system is quite impressive. The key to their success lies in the meticulous sorting process they have established. Each household is provided with detailed instructions on how to separate their waste into the 27 categories, ensuring that materials are properly recycled. This level of community engagement and commitment to sustainability is truly inspiring.

  5. Food waste is collected three times a week with a blue bucket. It is crushed into smaller pieces. Pruned plants will also be brought in here, and they are mixed together with the food waste. The pruned plants contain many native microorganisms. As they decompose, the waste turns into a rich compost, almost all of which is used on Osaki’s farms. I think the process is very simple and can be practiced anywhere in the world. In fact, our process has been introduced to Indonesia: Osaki Town officials and the recycling centre staff went there to demonstrate our techniques for separating and composting.

  6. I truly admire the efforts of Ms. Fujita and the town of Osaki in their commitment to sustainability. It’s inspiring to see how waste management practices can make such a significant impact. The approach of sorting waste into 27 categories and utilizing composting for food waste and pruned plants is not only effective but also replicable on a global scale. Kudos to Osaki for setting a remarkable example!

  7. As a passionate environmentalist, I truly admire the efforts of Ms. Fujita and the community of Osaki in achieving such remarkable results in waste management. Their dedication to sustainability sets a great example for us all. It’s inspiring to see how a simple yet effective approach can make a significant impact on the environment. I believe that with determination and collective action, we can all contribute to creating a cleaner and greener future for our planet.

  8. Do you think the waste separation and composting process in Osaki could be easily replicated in other communities around the world?

    1. Absolutely, EmmaSmith123! The waste separation and composting process implemented in Osaki is a fantastic model that can be replicated in various communities globally. By engaging with residents and businesses to sort waste into different categories and promoting composting practices, other towns and cities can also achieve significant reductions in landfill waste and promote sustainability efforts. It’s a simple yet effective approach that has the potential to make a big impact on the environment.

  9. I believe that the sustainable waste management practices being implemented in Osaki are truly inspiring. It’s heartwarming to see the town’s dedication to recycling and minimizing waste. The approach taken in Osaki can serve as a valuable example for other communities looking to make a positive impact on the environment. Mrs. Fujita’s efforts are commendable, and I hope more towns around the world will follow suit in creating a trash-free future.

  10. I believe that the approach taken in Osaki to achieve a trash-free community is truly admirable. It’s inspiring to see the dedication to sustainability and waste management practices that can serve as a model for other communities around the world.

  11. As a sustainability advocate myself, I am truly impressed by Osaki’s innovative approach towards waste management. Ms. Fujita’s efforts and the town’s commitment to recycling are inspiring. It’s a model that can definitely be replicated worldwide. Kudos to Osaki for leading the way to a trash-free community!

  12. I believe Osaki’s approach to waste management is truly inspiring. Ms. Fujita’s dedication to promoting sustainability in the town is commendable. It’s heartening to see such successful recycling efforts, and the method of composting food waste for agricultural use is a brilliant idea that can be replicated worldwide.

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