
“How is Japan so clean even though there are so few trash bins?!” This is something commonly heard by tourists visiting Japan. For many, it’s one of the first things they notice! So just how can such a large city stay clean without many places to throw away your rubbish?
The rules and manners revolving around waste disposal here are quite strict, so most Japanese people usually will just keep their garbage with them until they find a place to throw it away. But that leads to the question: where do you throw away your trash when there are no bins in sight? Don’t worry - when you’re done reading this article, you won’t have to wonder anymore!
The History Behind the Lack of Garbage Cans: The Sarin Gas Attack of 1995

There is a reason for the lack of public trash cans in Japan. On March 20th, 1995 during the morning rush hour, the Tokyo subway system fell victim to a deadly terrorist attack using extremely lethal sarin gas. This attack was organized by cult members of Aum Shinrikyo and injured over 5,000 people. Because sarin gas has no scent and is also colorless, many affected by the attack did not realize until they began having symptoms later on.
Although the cult members were eventually arrested, many were scared of further attacks. To ease these fears, trash cans were taken out of many public areas (especially train stations) because they could potentially hold terrorist weapons.
Fast forwarding to now, over 30 years later, Tokyo still has very few trash cans and train stations are still always on alert for suspicious items or anything that could be possibly linked to further incidents.
So... Where Can I Throw Away My Trash?!
1. Train Stations

Although you may have to search a bit, most train stations will have garbage bins that you can use in front of the ticket gates, and sometimes on the platforms. Some stations will have neither, and some will only have ones for throwing away pet bottles, bins and cans, so don’t count on always being able to throw away your trash at a station. Please don’t throw away unrelated trash in bins designated for bottles, and also refrain from throwing away anything other than sanitary products in train station bathrooms.
2. Vending Machines

To the side of many vending machines you can find a designated garbage can for plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cans (basically for things you can buy in a vending machine).
3. At Parks

Because many Japanese people enjoy having picnics or drinking in the park, you can often find garbage cans without many issues at most parks! You may have to walk a while to get to one, but you will usually be able to find a rather large garbage bin fairly easily.
Bonus: Convenience Stores also Have Garbage Cans!

Sometimes you can find garbage cans at your local convenience store, but there have been some issues regarding them. These garbage bins aren’t considered public, so if you’d like to use them it’s best to buy something from the store beforehand.
Most convenience stores originally had the garbage cans outside of the store but had to move them because too many people would throw things away there making it problematic. It’s best to keep in mind that these are for customer use to avoid any issues!
Separating Garbage in Japan

Japan is very strict about separating their garbage. Garbage is most commonly separated here by the following: combustibles, incombustibles, cans, glass bottles, and plastics.
Even if you’re not used to separating garbage this detailed, it is a fairly straightforward system, and you likely won’t have any issues understanding what goes where. If you’re not sure about the system, take some time to observe how people around you do it to make sure you get it right - sometimes they won’t collect your trash if it isn’t separated properly!

While it is likely that you will have to carry your garbage around at some point when you are here in Japan, knowing the information listed above can hopefully make your trip all the easier.
If you do worry about collecting unwanted garbage while out and about, here are a few smart tips to handle your trash like a pro:
- Bring Reusable Items: One of the best ways to reduce trash is to avoid creating it. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill and a small bag to carry any items you purchase. This is a very common practice in Japan and a simple way to not have to worry about finding a bin.
- Carry a Small Bag: Many people in Japan keep a small plastic bag in their purse or pocket to store trash, especially wet or sticky food scraps and wrappers. When you get a bag from a konbini or a store, hold on to it, it can become your temporary personal trash bin.
- The Konbini Pit Stop: If you buy a drink or a bento box from a konbini, consider consuming it right outside or nearby the store. Many stores have a small bench or counter just for this purpose. This allows you to immediately use their bins to throw away all the packaging, saving you the trouble of carrying it with you.
Written by Lindsey Schultz
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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