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Waste composition survey

Let's take a look at the contents of the garbage from home.

Last update date May 1, 2024

In Yokohama-shi, we carry out "garbage composition investigation" to examine the classification situation of garbage coming out of home and the situation of Yokohama Pra 5.3 (garbage) plan.

Contents of burnable garbage

Although the percentage of recyclable materials in burnable garbage declined substantially after the expansion of separate collection items, such as recycle paper and plastic containers and packaging are still included.
According to a survey conducted in fiscal 2023, recycle paper accounted for about 10% of burnable garbage and plastic containers and packaging accounted for about 6%.
In order to promote garbage separation and recycling, please continue to cooperate with the separation by referring to "How to separate and dispose of garbage and resources".

Breakdown data of burnable garbage from households (FY2023 survey results)
Figure 1 Contents of burnable garbage emitted from households (2023 survey results)

In fiscal 2004, the ratio of recyclables contained in burnable garbage remained less than 20%.
Figure 2 Changes in the proportion of resources contained in burnable garbage

Note 1: In fiscal 2004, the percentage of the previous fiscal year before the expansion of separate collection items is shown.
(Separate collection items expanded in some wards from the latter half of 2004 and in all cities from 2005.)

Note 2: We started a survey on used cloth in fiscal 2022.

Examples of separate collection items mixed in burnable garbage

A photograph of recycle paper mixed in burnable garbage. Empty boxes for sweets, toilet paper cores, etc. recycle paper

Photos of food trays and PET bottles mixed in burnable garbage Food trays, PET bottles

Photos of plastic containers such as foods mixed in burnable garbage Plastic containers and packaging for food

Percentage of PET bottle emissions

Approximately 67% of PET bottles that were disposed of as recyclables by removing lids and labels were removed (Fig. 3).
For PET bottles, (1) empty the inside and wash (2) remove the cap and label, and (3) crush them out (for details, see "Can / Bottles / PET bottles").

A pie chart of the discharge status of PET bottles discharged as recyclables (FY2023 survey results)
Figure 3 Emission status of PET bottles released as recyclables (FY2023 survey results)

Percentage of resources (cooperation ratio)

Approximately 61% of plastic containers and packaging were properly sorted as recyclables, and about 40% were mixed in burnable garbage.
In addition, bottles, cans, and PET bottles were all properly separated at about 96% (Figure 4) (Note 3).
Please continue to cooperate with the separation by referring to "How to separate and put out garbage and resources".
In particular, for plastic containers and packaging, we ask for your cooperation in proper sorting.
　　　Note 3: The results for fiscal 2023 will be updated after the figures are finalized.

Percentage of resources classified as recyclables
Figure 4 Cooperation Ratio of Recyclables (FY2022 survey results)

kitchen garbage contained in burnable garbage

About half of the kitchen garbage contained in burnable garbage, about half of the food loss from untouched foods (food that can be thrown away untouched), leftover food, and excessive removal (excessive portions of edible parts such as vegetable skins) (Figure 5) (Note 4).
For information on the amount of food loss generated in fiscal 2022, please refer to “About the amount of food loss generated from households”.
　　　Note 4: The results for fiscal 2023 will be updated after the figures are finalized.

Contents of kitchen garbage delivered to burnable garbage (FY2022)
Figure 5 Contents of kitchen garbage presented in burnable garbage (FY2022 survey results)

Examples of food loss from burnable garbage

Photograph of untouched food. Tofu, sprouts, wiener, etc. left in a bag. Untouched foods (food, etc.)

Photograph of untouched food. Natto, confections, etc. Untouched foods (confectionery, etc.)

Photograph of untouched food. Fruits and vegetables, etc. Untouched food (fruits, etc.)

Photograph of untouched food. Potatoes, etc. Untouched foods (vegetables, etc.)

The contents of plastics contained in burnable garbage

Approximately 68% of the plastics contained in the burnable garbage were "one-way plastic (Note 5)" (blue part of the outer circle in Figure 6).
With the exception of garbage bags, one-way plastics that could be reduced was about 52% (red part of the inner circle in Figure 6).
We will continue to separate garbage, and please cooperate in receiving disposable cutlery etc. as much as necessary and cooperate with the use of My Bags and My Bottle.

Note 5: It is made of plastic, which usually ends its role after use.

Example: Plastic containers and packaging, plastic bottles such as beverages and seasonings, plastic tableware such as straws and spoons, etc.

Since there is no specific concrete example of what corresponds to one-way plastic, Yokohama City has created its own classification standard and investigated it.

Example of classification criteria for one-way plastics
Item name	Major objects
One-way plastic (tableware, etc.)	Disposable straws, spoons, madlers, clear cups, etc.
One-way plastic (Other products)	Wraps, disposable gloves, zip locks, plastic bags (excluding those used as garbage bags), etc.

Pie chart of the breakdown of plastics released in burnable garbage (FY2022)
Figure 6 Contents of plastics released in burnable garbage (FY2023 survey results)