Kamikatsu • A social project beyond the zero waste objective
The municipality of Kamikatsu, which recycles or reuses 80% of its waste, serves as a model in Japan, where recycling rates are relatively low. This is the outcome of a pioneering declaration made in 2003, when the city pledged to achieve “zero waste" by 2020, with the integration of the community at the heart of the project.
Per capita waste generation in Japan is among the lowest in the OECD, but the recycling rate (20% in 2020) is below average. In this regard, the municipality of Kamikatsu, which recycles or reuses 80% of its waste, serves as a model. This is the outcome of a pioneering declaration made in 2003, when the city pledged to achieve “zero waste” by 2020, concentrating initially on improvements in recycling before insisting more recently on prevention in order to reduce waste production upstream. The success of its sorting centre is hinged on community involvement in the project. Its reputation as a “Zero Waste Town” also makes it more attractive for younger populations.