When the Osaki landfill in southwestern Japan reached capacity, the incinerator was the next logical step. However, the city decided to get serious about recycling. Osaki councilor Kasumi Fujita explained to UN News what inspired her during an interview on the occasion of the recent International Zero Waste Day.
Fujita moved to Osaki in 2021 to work with the municipality, the business sector and the local community to help the city prepare for a more sustainable future. Today, Osaki, with a population of around 12,000, recycles a remarkable 80% of its waste, and was able to avoid the construction of an incinerator plant.
“I have always wanted to work on something related to the climate crisis, and I strongly felt the need to act. That is why I came to Osaki. Here, waste is classified into 27 different categories. Since there is no incinerator plant, the blue bags go directly to the landfill without being incinerated, while the other 26 categories are properly sorted and recycled,” explains Fujita.
“For example, plastics will be separated into different types and then compressed. The compressed waste is then taken to recycling factories spread throughout the country,” he adds.
Citizens recycling in Osaki, Japan.
We can all make a difference
Food scraps are collected three times a week with a blue bucket. They are crushed into smaller pieces. Pruned plants are also brought, which are mixed with food remains. Pruned plants contain many native microorganisms. As the waste decomposes, it becomes rich compost, almost all of which is used on Osaki farms.
I think the process is very simple and can be practiced anywhere in the world. In fact, our process has been introduced in Indonesia; Osaki city officials and recycling center staff went there to demonstrate our food waste separation and composting techniques. This can become a solution to a problem that many developing countries are facing right now.
I really think people should learn more about the process of what happens to products after using them, and how complex the issue of waste is. At the same time, they will realize that we can reduce them. Companies and local governments also have to understand the situation. We have to mobilize everyone to change things“.
