Disposal of Oversized Garbage in Japan
As a resident of Japan, you're probably already familiar with the city’s detailed garbage and recycling systems. However, you might be less aware of how to properly dispose of large items like furniture and appliances — a process known as Sodai Gomi. Whether you're moving, redecorating, or simply decluttering, you'll eventually need to get rid of some bulky household items.
In Japan, you can't just leave these oversized items out on your regular trash collection day. Instead, a special pickup must be scheduled in advance, and a disposal fee must be paid. Read on to learn the rules you’ll need to follow when disposing of bulky waste in Japan.
What is Considered Oversized Garbage?
Sodai Gomi, or oversized garbage, is defined differently depending on the municipality you live in. This is similar to the rules surrounding general waste collection. However, most areas follow similar guidelines in defining sodai gomi.
In Japan, sodai gomi can be defined as any of the following that exceeds 30cm in width, depth, or height:
・Small appliances (such as microwaves or heaters)
(Note: Large home appliances like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners are not considered sodai gomi and must be recycled through the manufacturer or retailer under the Home Appliance Recycling Law.)
・Furniture
・Bedding
・Bicycles
As a general rule, any large item that doesn’t fit easily in standard garbage bags should be considered as sodai gomi.
Home Appliance Recycling
Under the Home Appliance Recycling Law, disposing of certain large appliances requires special handling. The four types of appliances covered are:
1. Air conditioners
2. Televisions
3. Refrigerators (including freezers)
4. Washing machines
To dispose of these, you must use one of the following methods:
(1) Have them collected by the home appliance retailer where you made the purchase.
(2) When replacing the appliance, have the relevant equipment collected by the home appliance retailer. In both cases, you are responsible for the collection, transportation, and costs associated with recycling and receiving a home appliance recycling voucher.
If you do not know where the appliance was purchased or are not replacing it, contact your local municipal office for guidance.
For the Tokyo 23 wards residents, you can call the Home Appliance Recycling Reception Center (03-5296-7200)
For computers, contact the manufacturer’s designated collection points (check their website or manuals) to arrange for disposal.
How to Dispose of Oversized Garbage (Sodai Gomi)
To dispose of oversized garbage such as furniture or large household items, you need to arrange collection through your local municipality.
City Center Collection
1) Make an appointment for pickup by phone or via your municipality’s website.
2) Purchase disposal stickers: You will be informed of the required type and number of disposal stickers (seals) to purchase. These stickers are sold at convenience stores or supermarkets within your municipality, as they are not transferable between areas. For example, if you live in Minato-ku, you must buy the disposal stickers at convenience stores or supermarkets located in Minato-ku. Stickers purchased in other wards cannot be used. Also, please note that payment is accepted in cash only.
For information on where exactly these stickers are sold, please check your city’s official website or contact your local municipal office.
Stores that sell disposal stickers (garbage processing seals) display signs like the following.
The cost depends on the item size and type; for example, in Tokyo, “A” stickers cost 200 yen each, and “B” stickers cost 300 yen each. A small appliance might require only one “B” sticker, while large furniture may require multiple stickers totaling up to around 2,000 yen.
Examples of Disposal Stickers (Sodai Gomi Seals)
3) Attach the purchased stickers clearly to the items along with your name or registration number for identification.
4) On the scheduled pickup day, place your items at the designated collection point for collection.
Some municipalities also offer drop-off centers where you can bring oversized items directly, often at a lower fee than pickup.
Examples of collection fees in Minato Ward
Here are examples of collection fees in Minato Ward as of May 2025:
| Futons, chairs, etc. | A stickers x 2 (¥400) |
| Single-seat sofas, tabletop sewing machines, etc. | B stickers x 3 (¥900) |
| Desks, bed mattresses, tatami mats, etc. | A stickers x 2, B stickers x 3 (¥1,300) |
| Sofas for two or more people, etc. | A sticker x 1, B stickers x 7 (¥2,300) |
| Desks with drawers on both sides, etc. | A sticker x 1, B stickers x 10(¥3,200) |
Oversized Garbage Collection Agencies
While going through your local municipality is a common way to arrange for collection of your oversized garbage, it is conducted entirely in Japanese and through municipal websites that are often very confusing to navigate. If you are moving, if you have multiple items to dispose of, or you are generally busy, this can take up valuable time and energy. If you live around Tokyo, there are agencies like Nishida Service. If you ask an agency to pick up your trash, please make sure you will receive a quotation in advance.
Consumer Electronics Retailers
While many large items can be disposed of via the standard sodai gomi procedures, some home appliances and electronics have to go through a different process. These follow rules that aim to recycle the appliances rather than disposing of them. The most common way to get rid of an appliance in Japan is through a retailer.
Often the reason for disposing of an appliance is simply to purchase a newer, better replacement. In this case, the store where the new item is bought can handle the collection and disposal of the old appliance. It is also often possible to return the item to the store where it was originally bought. These methods vary greatly in cost between different stores, areas, and appliances. Some stores offer a discount if you bring the appliance in yourself while others only offer collection from their dedicated team.
If you are unable to go through this process for some reason — an item bought overseas or from an online retailer that does not offer this service, for example — it is possible to go through your municipality’s Home Appliance Recycling Center system. This works in a similar way to the general sodai gomi system, but it is more difficult to set up. Each appliance has a different price based on the maker and model number, rather than just appliance type. Tickets must be purchased from the post office for the correct model and an appointment must be made with the recycling center.
Donating or Selling
If your furniture or appliances are still in good condition, there are a few options available for donating your furniture in the area or even selling it personally online or through recycle shops. For more information on these options, be sure to read our guide to donating and selling used clothing and furniture in Japan.
