Despite Japan’s famously clean streets, public trash cans are surprisingly scarce. Many were removed over the years, particularly following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, with security concerns and maintenance costs contributing to their disappearance.

Today, people are generally expected to carry their garbage until they find somewhere appropriate to dispose of it.

For visitors enjoying takeaway snacks, convenience store treats, or drinks while sightseeing, this can mean an unexpected game of hide-and-seek.

To tackle the problem, Tokyo’s Chiyoda City has introduced 22 smart bins called SmaGO, developed by Japanese company Forcetec.

The general-waste bins automatically compress garbage to around one-fifth of its original volume. Solar panels provide power, while built-in sensors monitor how full the bins are and notify collection teams when they need emptying.

Of the 22 units, 10 handle general waste, while 12 are designated for recyclables, including bottles and cans. Some even feature foot pedals for hands-free opening.

Look for the cheerful “CLEAN AKIBA!” branding!

The bins are installed at 10 locations around Akihabara Station and along Chuo-dori, including near Atre Akihabara 1, Akihabara UDX, Yodobashi Akiba, and toward Suehirocho Station.

Similar smart bins have already appeared in Harajuku, Omotesando, and Osaka’s Dotonbori. According to Forcetec, earlier installations helped reduce garbage collection frequency by approximately 70% in Harajuku and Omotesando, while litter around bins in Dotonbori reportedly dropped by about 90%, excluding cigarette butts.

While Akihabara’s new bins are welcome news, don’t expect trash cans on every corner just yet. Carrying a small bag for wrappers and other rubbish is still a smart move when exploring Japan. And remember, recycling bins beside vending machines are for designated drink containers, not general garbage.

For a neighborhood famous for futuristic gadgets, Akihabara’s latest innovation might seem surprisingly ordinary.

After all, it’s a trash can.

But for anyone who’s spent half an afternoon carrying an empty coffee cup around Tokyo, this might be one of the most useful technological upgrades yet.

Source: Forcetec press release, November 9, 2026