1.
garbage sorting; waste separation
the practice of separating garbage into different categories for proper disposal and recycling
Types
Typical categories (names and rules vary by municipality):
- 燃えるゴミ / 可燃ゴミ - burnable garbage
- 燃えないゴミ / 不燃ゴミ - non-burnable garbage
- 資源ゴミ - recyclables
- 粗大ゴミ - oversized garbage
- 危険物 - hazardous waste
Cultural note
Garbage sorting rules vary significantly by municipality in Japan and can be very detailed. New residents often receive guidebooks explaining local rules. Proper sorting is considered a civic duty.