In Japan, recycling is a collective ritual.

In Japan, waste separation is not only an objective and task of municipal administrations, but involves close and constant collaboration between operators and residents.  

In particular, citizens are organized in each neighborhood in associations called chōnaikai, which specifically deal with safety and organize, in collaboration with municipal operators, waste separation. Whereas in Japan, and this is an aesthetic and functional advantage for its cities, there are no wastebaskets, bins and dumpsters. 

In particular, residents, through their associations: 

• They prepare the collection point: they take out anti-animal nets, cages or covers (especially against crows and cats) before the collection day.
• They monitor compliance with the rules: they check that the bags are placed on the right day and that the waste is separated correctly (sometimes informally, sometimes following municipal lists).
• They report errors: if a bag is incorrect (such as plastic mixed with combustible waste), it can be left there with a “non-compliant” sticker or reported to the owner.
• Cleaning the area: after the truck passes by or during the day, some residents take care of keeping the space clean.
• Shift management: in many neighborhoods there is a rotation system (for families or condominiums) to "monitor" the point on collection days.
• Prevention of illegal abandonment: they monitor that no one leaves waste outside of hours or unauthorized materials.

Waste sorting in Japan takes place on days and at times set in advance, and everything is done with great order and discipline, thanks in part to the cooperation of residents, who, among other things, store their waste until the day designated for door-to-door collection in the neighborhood. The result: no trash left on the ground, no chaos, and a waste sorting rate of over 80 percent everywhere. 

Read also: 

• How to Be Hospitable: A Japanese Lesson
• Spogomi: In Japan, garbage collection is a team game.
• Japan, the man who makes a living praising passersby