When the landfill in Osaki, in the southwest of Japan, reached capacity, an incinerator was the logical next step. Instead, the town decided to get serious about recycling. Ahead of International Zero Waste day, marked on 30 March, Kasumi Fujita, a town councillor committed to Osaki’s low waste policies, tells UN News what inspired her.
UNIC Tokyo/Ichiro Mae
Citizens recycling in Osaki, Japan
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.”
Dave Belson, as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief, brings a wealth of experience and insight to his leadership role. With a keen eye for detail and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, Dave guides his team in delivering top-notch reporting on crucial issues, setting the standard for excellence in journalism.
Ms. Fujita’s dedication to promoting sustainability in Osaki is truly commendable. It’s inspiring to see a town take proactive steps towards reducing waste and implementing effective recycling practices. I believe more communities should follow Osaki’s example and prioritize environmental conservation for a better future.
As a town councillor in Osaki, I am proud to see how our community’s dedication to recycling has led us to be a shining example of a low waste society. By sorting waste into 27 categories and maximizing recycling efforts, we have been able to significantly reduce our environmental impact. I believe that our approach can inspire other towns and cities to prioritize sustainability over convenience.
How did the town manage to get its residents on board with such a comprehensive waste sorting system? It sounds like a remarkable achievement!
Ms. Fujita’s dedication to promoting sustainable waste management practices in Osaki is truly inspiring. It’s commendable to see the town achieving an impressive 80% recycling rate without resorting to incineration. This proactive approach sets a positive example for other communities to follow in the global fight against climate change.