5-2 General rules for daily life
(1) How to dispose of garbage
Manners of garbage disposal vary by region or municipality. Different kinds of garbage are set to be collected on different days and times. Some of the bulk garbage and certain kinds of garbage that cannot be easily disposed of require fees to be collected, or are not collected by the municipality. It is advisable to confirm the matter with the real-estate agent, nearby residents and municipal administrative office (see the following list). In Japan, it is considered very important to cooperate on reducing, reusing and recycling garbage (please refer to "O Other Daily Life Issues, 2-2 Rules and Manners of Daily Life: Garbage").
[Matters to be confirmed]
- Distinction between combustible and non-combustible garbage
- Distinction of recyclables (jars and glass bottles, cans, PET bottles, newspapers, etc.)
- Place of collection
- Days and times of collecting different kinds of garbage
- How to dispose of bulk (large-sized) garbage
- Whether specified disposal bags must be used
etc.
[Example of garbage separation]
Note:
- Different expressions are used for types of garbage depending on the region: for example, "Kanen-gomi / Funen-gomi," "Moeru-gomi / Moenai-gomi," "Moyaseru-gomi / Moyasenai-gomi," and so on for distinguishing combustibles and non-combustibles.
- It used to be that the items that produce toxic gas when burned or heat up to the extent of damaging the incinerator are generally considered "non-combustibles." Recently, however, municipalities are introducing different criteria on separating garbage, so you need to be careful.
- Some types of garbage, even if combustible, must be separated as "non-combustibles" in certain municipalities due to their distinct garbage treatment methods and community rules.
- Garbage is separated based on how the municipal rule determines “combustibles” and "non-combustibles," or what they treat as recyclables, rather than whether it is physically combustible. (2) How to use the kitchen
Use the kitchen neatly. Do not dispose of solid garbage and oil down the drain. Solid garbage clogs the drain; oil contaminates rivers and ocean. When disposing oil, use newspapers to absorb the oil, which can then be disposed of as combustibles.
(3) Notes on noise created by everyday living
Noise from everyday living can cause trouble with the neighbors. Make sure to keep the noise down from night to early morning. Also, it is advisable to refrain from making a lot of noise on a daily basis. Sound from television sets, CD players, instruments, vacuum cleaners, laundry machines, showers and drains can sometimes be taken as “noise,” as well as loud conversation and opening and closing of doors. So be careful with the noise from everyday living.
(4) How to use bathrooms/toilets
When the drain clogs while using toilet or bathroom, water overflows which causes a great mess. If the water is spilled downstairs, you may sometimes have to pay for repair. Make sure you keep hair out of the drain. When using the toilet, do not dispose of anything other than toilet paper (tissue paper and sanitary napkins must go into a garbage bin since they can clog the drain).
(5) How to use balconies
If the balcony is used for an emergency escape route, be careful not to block the exit with boxes and other items. Also, keep items off the walls or partitions separating the adjacent balconies.
When hanging beddings and clothes outside to dry or growing potted plants, make sure they are not likely to fall off the balcony.
Be careful to not let futons and pots fall off the balcony. (6) How to use common spaces
In condominium buildings, halls, corridors and staircases outside your room are considered common spaces to be used by everyone. They will also serve as an emergency escape route in case of earthquake and fire, so do not leave your personal belongings there.
(7) How to use parking lots for bicycles/cars
If you live in a condominium building, bicycles must be parked in line at a set place such as bicycle shed.
You need to rent a parking space for automobile. Roadside parking is not permitted. Parking space is rent by paying monthly fee, so you should only park at your own space even if there are extra spaces.
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