Daily Life Lessons · Garbage
Understand the steps for oversized garbage (applying, paying the fee, putting it out), and be able to dispose of items that cannot go out as oversized garbage, such as the four designated home appliances and computers, in the correct separate way.
Large items such as furniture, bicycles, and futons are "oversized garbage" (粗大ごみ). The standard differs by municipality.
In many municipalities, oversized garbage requires advance application and a fee. The usual steps are: (1) apply by phone or online; (2) buy an oversized garbage disposal ticket (fee sticker: 粗大ごみ処理券) at a convenience store or similar shop; (3) write the collection date, reception number, and other details on the ticket and attach it to the item; (4) put the item out at the designated place on the morning of the assigned day.
The "four designated home appliances" (家電4品目), which are air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators (freezers), and washing machines (clothes dryers), cannot be put out as oversized garbage under the Home Appliance Recycling Act. As a rule, ask the store where you are buying a replacement or where you bought the item to take it back; if you are not sure, contact your municipality. Do not use unlicensed collectors, as there have been problems with illegal dumping and excessive charges.
大きい ごみは「粗大（そだい）ごみ」です。（家具、自転車、ふとん など）
だし方の ながれ： 1. 電話か インターネットで もうしこみます。 2. コンビニなどで「粗大ごみ処理券（しょりけん）」を かいます。 3. 券に 名前や 番号を 書いて、ごみに はります。 4. きめられた 日の 朝に 出します。
エアコン・テレビ・冷蔵庫（れいぞうこ）・洗濯機（せんたくき）は、粗大ごみに 出せません。お店に ひきとりを たのみます。
「むりょう（無料）で 回収します」と まわってくる トラックには たのまないで ください。
In many municipalities, what do you need to do when putting out oversized garbage?
In many municipalities, oversized garbage requires an application and a fee.
What do you do with the oversized garbage disposal ticket (fee sticker)?
Write the collection date, reception number, and other details, and attach it where it is easy to see on the item. Follow your municipality's guide for what to write.
Which of these cannot be put out as oversized garbage?
Refrigerators and freezers are covered by the Home Appliance Recycling Act (the four designated home appliances) and are not collected as oversized garbage.
When you replace your TV, what should you basically do with the old one?
For the four designated home appliances, the basic way is to ask the store where you are buying a replacement or where you bought the item to take it back. A recycling fee and a collection and transport fee are charged.
What about asking a truck driving around town announcing "We collect for free"?
The Ministry of the Environment urges people not to use unlicensed collectors. Dispose of items in the way your municipality explains.
Q. What size counts as oversized garbage?
A. Many municipalities define it as "items with one side longer than about 30 cm," but the standard differs by municipality. Check your municipality's guide.
Q. What about large furniture I can't carry by myself?
A. In many municipalities, you need to take it out to the designated place (in front of your home, the collection point, etc.). Ask your municipality whether there is support if you need help.
Q. How do I dispose of a computer?
A. Many municipalities do not collect computers as oversized garbage. If you apply to the manufacturer, they will collect it, and computers with the "PC Recycle Mark" (PCリサイクルマーク) are collected without a new fee. Delete the data inside yourself beforehand.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original