Rubbish and recycling
Japan sorts its rubbish carefully, and each type goes out on its own day. This lesson covers the types, the days and the signs at the collection point, so you can follow the rules and ask when you're not sure. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
G
25 rubbish words
Each card shows the word, the form used, and a sentence you'd hear at home or see on a sign. Several reuse words from Everyday Japanese 1 and 2, and from Lessons 2, 3 and 5.
M
Types of rubbish
The everyday name is on the left. Signs and city leaflets often use the shorter, more formal word in the middle.
| Type | On signs | For example |
|---|
- Every city is different. Check your city's rubbish calendar for the days, and its leaflet for what goes where.
- needs booking. You book a collection, buy a sticker (often at a convenience store) and put it on the item. The details vary by city.
- Put it out on the day. In many areas it goes out by about 8 a.m. on collection day, not the night before. Check your city's rules.
C
Four patterns to use today
Z
Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.