Glossary

This refers to garbage, bulky waste, ash, sludge, manure and urine, waste oil, waste acids, waste alkalis, animal carcasses, and other filth or unwanted materials in solid or liquid form. Radioactive substances and items contaminated by them are excluded from the scope of the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act.

These criteria are intended to categorize and exclude applicants for waste disposal business permits who, based on their general suitability, cannot be expected to conduct business appropriately in accordance with the law. If an industrial waste disposal operator falls under any of these categories, their permit must be revoked.

This refers to a mixture consisting of fragments of plastic, glass, rubber, and other materials remaining after shredding end-of-life vehicles, discarded home appliances, and similar items, and sorting and recovering the iron and certain non-ferrous metal components. Because it contains high levels of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium and poses a significant environmental burden, proper treatment is essential.

Businesses that outsource the disposal of industrial waste to third parties must enter into a contract with a waste disposal operator in accordance with the outsourcing standards stipulated in the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act. The contract must include the details specified by law.

This is a method used in the electronic manifest system where electronic manifest data is exchanged between subscribers and the information processing center’s server. This enables direct data integration between systems, allowing for efficient registration of electronic manifest information.

The purpose of this Act is to preserve the living environment and improve public health by promoting the reduction, recycling, and proper disposal of waste. Enacted in Showa 45, it has been amended numerous times since then and serves as the most fundamental and important law governing waste management.

This refers to waste generated through business activities that falls under one of the 20 categories specified by law. Much of the waste discharged from the business operations of companies and factories falls into this category, and waste generators are legally obligated to ensure proper disposal at their own expense.

This refers to industrial waste specified by Cabinet Order as having properties that may cause harm to human health or the living environment, such as explosiveness, toxicity, or infectivity. Examples include flammable waste oil, strong acids, asbestos, and medical waste, and stricter disposal standards than usual apply to these materials.

This refers to a disposal site authorized to accept stabilized industrial waste—i.e., waste free of adherent hazardous substances or organic matter—for landfill disposal, provided there is no risk of wastewater generation due to contamination by hazardous substances or decomposition upon disposal. Stable industrial waste includes waste plastics, rubber scraps, metal scraps, glass scraps, concrete scraps, and ceramic scraps, as well as rubble and other industrial waste designated by the Minister of the Environment as equivalent to these.

This is required when a holder of an existing permit for industrial waste collection and transportation, etc., wishes to add new types of industrial waste to those they handle or expand the scope of their business. Since conducting the amended operations without a permit is illegal, prior procedures are mandatory.

This refers to waste generated from construction work and similar activities that consists of a mixture of stabilized industrial waste (such as rubble and waste plastics) and other types of waste (such as wood scraps and paper scraps). To promote recycling, thorough separation at the source is required.

Recoverable materials are not considered waste; therefore, the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act does not apply to them. A key criterion for determination is “whether the generator still receives income even after offsetting the sale proceeds against transportation costs”; however, caution is required regarding cases where improper disposal is used as a cover.

This is a system requiring industrial waste collection and transportation operators, as well as industrial waste disposal operators, to notify the party that commissioned them in writing and without delay whenever it becomes difficult to properly carry out the collection, transportation, or disposal of industrial waste for which they have been commissioned.

When it is determined that waste is being handled in a manner that does not comply with industrial waste disposal standards, etc., and there is a risk that this will cause harm to the preservation of the living environment, the prefectural governor or other authorized official may order the disposer or other relevant party to take measures, such as eliminating the harm, within a specified time limit.

A manifest is a record that documents when, what type of waste, by whom, and how it was transported or disposed of. Its purpose is to ensure that the waste-generating business retains responsibility for the waste until the very end and to prevent improper disposal, such as illegal dumping, before it occurs. It is available in both paper and electronic formats.

This refers to a sample format for a waste data sheet that organizes items—such as hazardous properties—selected as necessary waste information based on the results of investigations into accident cases that occurred during the waste treatment process. It is used by waste generators to provide appropriate information to treatment operators.

This is an electronic manifest system in which digitized manifest information is exchanged via an information processing center among three parties—the waste generator, the collection and transportation operator, and the disposal operator—using the Internet or similar means. It simplifies registration and reporting and facilitates information management.

This refers to a disposal site authorized to accept hazardous industrial waste that does not meet the criteria for hazardous substances. It is a final disposal site with an extremely rigorous structure: the sides and bottom are enclosed with concrete, and a roof is installed on top to prevent rainwater from entering, thereby completely isolating the hazardous substances.

These are landfills authorized to dispose of managed industrial waste—that is, industrial waste that falls below the criteria for hazardous substances—as well as industrial waste that decomposes upon landfill disposal and generates wastewater or similar byproducts. Stabilized industrial waste may also be disposed of here. Industrial waste other than that disposed of at isolated final disposal sites or stabilized final disposal sites (including municipal solid waste) is eligible for landfill disposal.

This term refers to waste other than industrial waste. It includes household waste generated in our daily lives (household general waste) and waste such as paper scraps and food scraps generated by business activities at offices and restaurants (business-generated general waste), for which municipalities are primarily responsible for disposal.

This law mandates that relevant parties, such as automobile manufacturers, assume appropriate roles to reduce the volume of waste generated from end-of-life vehicles and to ensure their recycling and proper disposal. It stipulates the proper disposal of fluorocarbons, airbags, and shredder dust.

This law stipulates measures that food-related businesses and other entities should take to reduce the generation of food waste—such as unsold food, leftovers, and scraps generated during manufacturing and processing—and to promote its reuse. It promotes recycling methods such as conversion into animal feed or fertilizer.

This law aims to reduce waste by effectively utilizing container and packaging waste—which constitutes a significant portion of household waste—as a resource. Consumers are responsible for sorting and disposing of waste, municipalities for collecting sorted waste, and businesses for remanufacturing.

This law aims to recycle useful parts and materials from home appliances discarded by households and other sources, thereby reducing the volume of waste ultimately sent to landfills and promoting the effective use of resources. It applies to air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and similar appliances.

This refers to reusing waste as a resource (reuse). It involves collecting separately sorted items such as PET bottles and waste paper, crushing or melting them at factories, and transforming them into raw materials for new products.

This involves reusing waste and other materials as raw materials. Examples of material recycling include crushing glass bottles to produce cullet, which is then used to manufacture new bottles, and melting aluminum cans to produce new aluminum cans and other aluminum products.

Enacted in 2000, this law aims to promote the separation and recycling of concrete waste, asphalt waste, and waste wood generated during the demolition of buildings and other structures. It also establishes a registration system for demolition contractors.

This concept was proposed as an alternative to a society based on mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal. It envisions a society where the consumption of natural resources is curbed and environmental impact is minimized as much as possible. It is a social model essential for a sustainable future.

This law comprehensively promotes the 3R initiatives necessary for building a recycling-oriented society. It designates, by cabinet order, the industries and products for which businesses are required to implement 3R initiatives, and specifies the concrete measures they should undertake voluntarily.

In addition to traditional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) initiatives, this approach aims to maximize the value of resources and products, minimize resource consumption, and prevent waste generation while curbing the amount of resources used and consumed. It is gaining attention as a new economic system that continuously recycles resources without generating waste.

An abbreviation for “Sustainable Development Goals,” these are international development goals through 2030 that were adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. By achieving the 17 goals and 169 targets, these initiatives aim to realize a society in which “no one is left behind.”

This law aims to build a sustainable society with minimal environmental impact by stipulating the promotion of procurement of environmentally friendly goods by the national government, independent administrative agencies, and local governments. It supports the expansion of the market for environmentally friendly products.

This law incorporates measures to promote plastic resource circulation efforts among all entities involved in the plastic life cycle—from the design of plastic products to waste disposal. It aims to reduce single-use plastics.

This is a system in which prefectural governors and other authorities designate businesses that exclusively handle industrial waste that is certain to be recycled. By exempting these businesses from the requirement to obtain a license for industrial waste disposal, the system facilitates recycling.

This involves recovering thermal energy from waste and other materials. There are examples where heat generated during waste incineration is recovered and used for waste-to-energy power generation, as well as for heating and hot water supply within facilities and for heated swimming pools, among other applications, which helps reduce the use of fossil fuels.

In light of the fact that a significant portion of metals and other valuable materials used in end-of-life small electronic devices are being discarded without being recovered, this law aims to ensure the proper disposal of waste and the effective use of resources by implementing measures to promote recycling.

This refers to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These are the three fundamental initiatives for reducing waste and making effective use of resources, and they are key concepts for building a circular economy.

This refers to using usable items repeatedly (reuse). Reuse activities include passing on unwanted items to others in their original form, selling them at secondhand stores, and using refillable products to reuse bottles multiple times.

This refers to using items carefully to reduce waste (suppressing generation and discharge). It is the highest priority among the 3Rs, and specific activities include avoiding excessive packaging and extending the lifespan of products.

This refers to corporate behavior in which companies take responsibility for the impact of their activities in order to coexist with society and the environment and achieve sustainable growth. It also denotes the approach companies should take to earn the trust of their stakeholders. It serves as the foundational philosophy for companies working toward the achievement of the SDGs.

This refers to the reuse of used solar panels as secondhand products after inspection confirms they retain sufficient power generation capacity. This is a priority initiative because it helps reduce waste generation, directly leading to a lower environmental impact and the effective use of resources.

Some solar panels contain hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium. If damaged panels are left exposed to the elements, there is a risk that these hazardous substances will leach into the soil through rainwater; therefore, proper management—including waterproofing measures—is essential for disposal and storage.

This is a common recycling method in which solar panels are finely crushed using a specialized crusher and then sorted by material—such as glass, metal, and plastic—using magnetic or air-based separation techniques. While this method offers high processing speed, it has the drawback that impurities can easily mix with the glass, limiting its applications.

This involves the recycling of the glass component, which accounts for approximately 70–80% of a solar panel’s weight. Establishing technologies to remove impurities and reuse the glass as high-quality raw material—such as for glass wool insulation, road base material, or new glass products—is key to solar panel recycling.

This refers to the issue where solar panels installed in large numbers following the launch of the FIT program in 2012 are reaching the end of their product lifespans (approximately 20 to 30 years), and a peak in mass disposal is expected to occur in the 2040s. To prevent overcrowding at final disposal sites, it is necessary to establish recycling technologies and expand recycling facilities.

This is a recycling technique that uses a heated blade to separate the resin (EVA) that strongly bonds the glass and cells of a solar panel. Since it allows for clean separation without breaking the glass, it offers the advantage of enabling high-purity glass recycling.

These next-generation solar cells are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be installed in locations where conventional panels were difficult to install, such as on building walls. While their widespread adoption is anticipated in the future, research is also underway to develop materials with lower environmental impact and to establish recycling methods that account for future disposal.

These are the smallest components that make up a solar panel. They generate electricity by utilizing the property of semiconductors, in which electrons begin to move when exposed to light. A standard solar panel (module) consists of multiple such cells connected together and protected by resin or glass.

This device converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in homes, factories, and other locations. While it is an essential component of a solar power generation system, its product lifespan is approximately 10 to 15 years—shorter than that of the panels themselves—so it will need to be replaced or disposed of during the system’s operational period.

Precious metals such as silver are used in the electrodes of solar cells. Although the amount is extremely small relative to the entire solar panel, efficiently separating and recovering these valuable metals during the recycling process is crucial for enhancing the profitability of recycling operations.

These are solar cells using silicon semiconductors, currently the most widely used type on the market. They include crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon types. In recycling, the challenge lies in separating the glass—which accounts for the majority of the weight—from the silicon, silver, and other materials.

These solar cells are made by combining elements other than silicon (such as copper, indium, and selenium). While they offer advantages such as the ability to be made thinner, some products contain hazardous substances like cadmium and lead; therefore, proper disposal routes tailored to their specific components are required.

While proper disposal in accordance with current guidelines is being promoted, discussions are underway at the national level regarding the introduction of legal regulations to mandate the recycling of solar panels in anticipation of large-scale disposal in the future. Processing companies will be required to strengthen their advanced recycling technologies and acceptance systems.

This is the structural framework that supports solar panels on roofs or the ground and secures them at the optimal angle. It is primarily made of metals such as aluminum or steel, and when the panels are disposed of, the metal components of these mounting structures are also recycled as valuable resources.

These are panels that directly convert the sun’s light energy into electricity. They are packed with solar cells and are widely used as a primary source of renewable energy; however, the large-scale disposal and recycling of these panels at the end of their product life cycle have become a social issue.

This system requires solar power operators with a capacity of 10 kW or more who have received FIT or FIP certification to set aside funds for future panel disposal costs with an external organization, in principle. It was launched in 2022 to prevent abandonment or illegal dumping after the end of operations.

This program provides a fixed premium (surcharge) to renewable energy generators based on the price at which they sell electricity on wholesale power markets and other venues. Introduced as a phased transition toward independence from the FIT program, it requires operation that adapts to price fluctuations in the electricity market.

This is a government program that guarantees power companies will purchase electricity generated from renewable energy sources at a fixed price for a specified period. The launch of the program in 2012 led to a rapid expansion of solar power adoption, but it has also raised concerns about future large-scale disposal issues.

This refers to large-scale solar power plants with an output of 1 megawatt (1,000 kilowatts) or more. Thousands to tens of thousands of panels are installed across vast tracts of land, and since they will all reach the end of their service life simultaneously in the future, there is an urgent need to establish a systematic and large-scale recycling system.

This is a system in which an operator installs solar power generation equipment free of charge on the roof or other surfaces of a facility owner and sells the generated electricity to the facility owner. Since it allows companies to adopt renewable energy with zero upfront costs, this model is becoming increasingly popular as a means for businesses to achieve decarbonization (carbon neutrality).

Exposure refers to the inhalation of air containing airborne asbestos fibers. It is believed that the higher the level of exposure and the longer the duration of exposure, the greater the risk of developing health problems such as mesothelioma or lung cancer decades later; therefore, thorough protective measures during work are essential.

When it is not possible to determine from design documents or other sources whether building materials contain asbestos, samples of the materials are collected and examined using microscopes or X-ray diffraction equipment to determine the asbestos content and type. Based on the analysis results, appropriate demolition methods and waste disposal routes are determined.

A malignant tumor that develops in the mesothelium—the membrane covering organs such as the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Asbestos exposure is considered the primary cause. It is characterized by an extremely long latency period of 20 to 50 years between inhalation and the onset of the disease; as a result, cases resulting from past exposure have become a significant social issue today.

This is a specialized qualification for accurately surveying whether a building contains asbestos. Due to amendments to the law, preliminary surveys prior to building demolition or renovation must now be conducted by a certified surveyor, thereby preventing exposure incidents caused by improper surveys.

This law regulates the emission of smoke and other pollutants from factories and workplaces; it also imposes strict regulations on preventing asbestos release during building demolition and renovation work. It stipulates compliance with work standards and the obligation to submit advance notifications to prefectural governors and other relevant authorities.

This refers to the mandatory survey to determine whether asbestos is present before proceeding with the demolition or renovation of a building. As of April 2022, it has become mandatory to report the results of such surveys to the relevant authorities via the “Asbestos Preliminary Survey Results Reporting System” for construction projects above a certain scale.

This category includes non-friable asbestos building materials with relatively low fiber-release potential. Examples include asbestos-containing corrugated slate sheets, P-tiles, and siding boards. While complete isolation and curing are not required, appropriate dust control measures—such as manual removal or wetting—are necessary.

This category includes asbestos-containing building materials with a high potential for fiber release. Examples include insulation wrapped around boiler piping and insulation on the underside of corrugated roofing sheets. Although these materials come in sheet or tube form, they are prone to releasing fibers when broken down, so strict dust control measures equivalent to those for Level 1 are required.

These are regulations established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare under the Industrial Safety and Health Act to prevent health hazards among workers handling asbestos. They require employers to conduct workplace environment measurements, ensure the use of protective equipment, appoint a work supervisor, and provide special training to workers.

This classification applies to asbestos-containing building materials with a significantly high potential for fiber release. Examples include asbestos sprayed onto columns and beams in fire-resistant buildings (sprayed asbestos). Removal work requires the strictest dust control measures, such as complete isolation of the work area and the use of high-performance dust masks.

This refers to industrial waste—other than waste asbestos generated during the new construction, renovation, or removal of structures—that contains more than 0.1% asbestos by weight. This includes non-friable asbestos materials such as slate sheets, which must be disposed of without being crushed.

This refers to asbestos waste that is highly friable and particularly hazardous. It is designated as “Specially Controlled Industrial Waste” due to its toxicity and infectious properties, and extremely strict standards are in place for its collection, transportation, and disposal; only contractors with specialized permits are authorized to handle it.

This is an intermediate treatment method in which collected asbestos waste is melted into a viscous slurry at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees at a dedicated treatment facility, transforming it into harmless slag. The resulting slag has completely lost its asbestos form and is reused as roadbed material or concrete aggregate.

This refers to the measure taken when performing removal work on friable asbestos classified as Level 1 or Level 2, in which the work site is completely sealed with plastic sheeting or similar materials to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping to the outside. It is one of the most critical steps in ensuring a safe working environment.

This is the space established at the entrance and exit of a containment-sealed asbestos removal work area. It consists of three rooms—a changing room, a shower room, and an antechamber—and serves to wash off asbestos fibers adhering to workers’ bodies and protective gear as they exit, thereby completely preventing their transfer to the outside.

This refers to asbestos that is firmly bonded to building materials—such as slate roofing—with cement or similar substances, making it unlikely to release fibers under normal conditions. However, since fibers can be released if the material is cut or crushed, it must be moistened with water during demolition and carefully removed and disposed of in its original form.

This law provides medical expenses and relief benefits to individuals who have suffered health damage due to asbestos and their surviving family members. It was enacted to broadly provide relief to those not covered by workers’ compensation (such as residents living near factories and workers’ families) and is funded by contributions from businesses and other sources.

This is a system that powerfully extracts air from within the isolated and contained work area to maintain a “negative pressure” state, where the air pressure inside is lower than that outside. The extracted air is filtered through a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter—an ultra-high-performance filter—to remove asbestos fibers, purify the air, and then discharge it outside.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials and other applications because it was heat- and friction-resistant and inexpensive. However, it was discovered that inhaling its extremely fine fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, and its manufacture and use are now completely banned.

This refers to asbestos that is prone to releasing fibers into the air due to deterioration or damage, such as asbestos directly sprayed onto steel frames in buildings. During demolition or renovation, the law mandates strict exposure prevention measures—such as sealing off the surrounding area—and measures to prevent fiber dispersion.

This is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Because PCBs are difficult to break down in the environment and tend to accumulate in living organisms, they were designated as one of the initial target substances, and their elimination is required internationally.

This is the oil filled inside transformers and capacitors, serving to cool the equipment and provide electrical insulation (to prevent electrical leakage). When maintaining or disposing of old electrical equipment, it is essential to sample this insulating oil and conduct a preliminary PCB concentration analysis.

This involves having a specialized testing laboratory determine whether electrical equipment scheduled for disposal contains PCBs and, if so, at what concentration. Based on the results of this analysis (high concentration, low concentration, or not applicable), the legally compliant disposal route and contractor are determined.

These are devices used to step down the high-voltage electricity generated at power plants to a voltage suitable for use in factories and buildings. Insulating oil in transformers manufactured before 1972 may contain high concentrations of PCBs, and strict measures based on the PCB Special Measures Act are required when disposing of them.

These are strict rules stipulated by the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act to prevent PCB waste from leaking or dispersing. They require that PCB waste be placed in dedicated, sealed containers and stored within a lockable building, clearly separated from other waste. The appointment of a person responsible for storage is also mandatory.

Under the Special Measures Law for PCBs, legal disposal deadlines for PCB waste are clearly defined based on type (high-concentration or low-concentration) and storage location. Since failure to meet these deadlines may render disposal effectively impossible and result in penalties, completing disposal within the specified timeframe is an absolute requirement.

A special-purpose corporation established with full government funding, JESCO operates dedicated facilities to safely and reliably treat high-concentration PCB waste nationwide. With offices in various regions, it plays a central role in promoting systematic and safe decontamination operations.

This refers to electrical equipment (such as transformers) that should not normally contain PCBs but into which trace amounts of PCBs were unintentionally introduced during past manufacturing processes or during the regeneration or replenishment of insulating oil. Such items are subject to treatment at private facilities as low-concentration PCB waste.

These are devices that power discharge lamps, such as fluorescent and mercury lamps, and maintain a constant current. Lighting fixtures in buildings such as factories and schools constructed before Showa 52 (1977) may still contain PCB-containing ballasts, requiring systematic inspection, replacement, and disposal.

This refers to waste consisting of PCBs, oils containing PCBs, or items onto which PCBs have been applied, soaked, adhered, or encapsulated. Because PCBs are persistent and pose a risk to human health, they are classified as Specially Controlled Industrial Waste.

This refers to waste with a PCB concentration exceeding 0.5% (5,000 mg/kg). Examples include transformers and capacitors in which PCBs manufactured in the past are still used as insulating oil. Such waste cannot be processed at private facilities and can only be processed at JESCO, a government-led organization.

These are devices used to store electricity or stabilize voltage. They range from small units built into ballasts for lighting fixtures to large units used in power receiving and transforming equipment at factories; older products may contain PCBs in their insulating oil.

Businesses storing PCB waste (storage operators) are required under the PCB Special Measures Act to report annually to the prefectural governor (or the mayor in the case of a city designated by Cabinet Order) on the status of storage and treatment. The purpose of this is to ensure that the government has a reliable understanding of storage conditions.

This is a system that authorizes private facilities certified by the Minister of the Environment as capable of safely and reliably treating low-concentration PCB waste. Only facilities that meet strict standards receive certification and perform decontamination through high-temperature incineration or chemical washing processes.

This law was enacted to promote the reliable and proper treatment of PCB waste. It mandates that storage operators strictly comply with storage standards and dispose of the waste within the deadlines set by the national government. Strict regulations are in place, and failure to dispose of the waste by the deadline may result in improvement orders or penalties.

For large transformers contaminated with low-concentration PCBs that are difficult to dismantle and transport, this treatment method involves draining the internal insulating oil on-site, then circulating a specialized solvent to wash away the PCBs adhering to the interior and render them harmless. This reduces the need for incineration and enables the recycling of the equipment itself.

This was a large-scale food poisoning incident that occurred in 1968, caused by PCBs—which had been used as a heat transfer medium in the rice bran oil manufacturing process—contaminating edible oil. This tragic incident brought the toxicity of PCBs and environmental pollution to the forefront as major social issues, ultimately leading to a ban on their production.

This refers to waste with a PCB concentration of 0.5% or less, as well as discarded electrical equipment contaminated with trace amounts of PCBs. This waste is treated through methods such as incineration or washing at “Certified Decontamination Facilities” designated by the Minister of the Environment or at private treatment facilities licensed by prefectural governors and other authorities.

This method involves replacing the insulating oil in an operational transformer with new oil that does not contain trace amounts of PCBs, and then continuing to use the transformer as usual. This causes the PCBs absorbed into the internal components to dissolve into the new oil, rendering them harmless. The advantage of this method is that treatment can be performed without interrupting operations.

These are man-made, oil-like chemicals that were widely used in transformers and other equipment due to their excellent electrical insulation and fire-retardant properties. However, their high toxicity was revealed through incidents such as the Kanemi Oil Poisoning Incident, leading to a ban on their manufacture in 1972. Currently, they are subject to strict regulation and must be disposed of within specified timeframes.