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Kamikatsu: Leading the World in Waste Reduction

  • When viewed from above, the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center resembles a question mark. The curved portion is a refuse center. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    When viewed from above, the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center resembles a question mark. The curved portion is a refuse center. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Embedded in the center’s walls are 540 repurposed windows, door frames, and wall panes that have been joined together like patchwork. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Embedded in the center’s walls are 540 repurposed windows, door frames, and wall panes that have been joined together like patchwork. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Kurukuru has the feel of an antique shop. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Kurukuru has the feel of an antique shop. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The facility’s community space is available for training, meetings, and other events. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The facility’s community space is available for training, meetings, and other events. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The accommodation building forms the dot at the bottom of the question mark seen from above in the article’s banner photo. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The accommodation building forms the dot at the bottom of the question mark seen from above in the article’s banner photo. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Each of the high-ceilinged, two-story rooms accommodates up to four people. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Each of the high-ceilinged, two-story rooms accommodates up to four people. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Guests are required to sort and take out their own rubbish. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Guests are required to sort and take out their own rubbish. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Zero Waste Center Chief Environmental Officer Ōtsuka Momona. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Zero Waste Center Chief Environmental Officer Ōtsuka Momona. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Rubbish bins at the home of a local resident. Rubbish is sorted into a few major categories before being taken to the center. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Rubbish bins at the home of a local resident. Rubbish is sorted into a few major categories before being taken to the center. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Electric composters produce odorless compost. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Electric composters produce odorless compost. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Organic waste is converted into fertilizer that can be applied to rice paddies, fields, and gardens. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Organic waste is converted into fertilizer that can be applied to rice paddies, fields, and gardens. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The center’s staff answer can answer questions about sorting waste. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The center’s staff answer can answer questions about sorting waste. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The disposal cost or resale value is shown for each item. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The disposal cost or resale value is shown for each item. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Toothbrushes and refillable containers for liquid detergent are collected by manufacturers Lion and Kaō. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Toothbrushes and refillable containers for liquid detergent are collected by manufacturers Lion and Kaō. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The points scheme is a motivation for visiting the site. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The points scheme is a motivation for visiting the site. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Local eatery Café Polestar displays stickers demonstrating its accreditation under the zero-waste scheme. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Local eatery Café Polestar displays stickers demonstrating its accreditation under the zero-waste scheme. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The rice pictured here is grown locally, and a locally sourced leaf serves as a chopstick rest. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The rice pictured here is grown locally, and a locally sourced leaf serves as a chopstick rest. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • The Kamikatsu government and Suntory signed a partnership on May 29, 2023. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    The Kamikatsu government and Suntory signed a partnership on May 29, 2023. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

  • Kurukuru sells clothes and accessories made from kimono fabric and other upcycled materials. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

    Kurukuru sells clothes and accessories made from kimono fabric and other upcycled materials. (© Fujiwara Tomoyuki)

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