Japan is a culture known for recycling and it is very efficient at it. In 2010, Japan was registered to have a plastic recycling rate of 77%; two times higher than the UK, and 20% higher than America.



Waste in Japan is generally sorted as burnables, un-burnables, PET bottles, and cans. The rest is up to your discretion, and the sad truth is that without an open donation system, clothes often end up as burnables. How can you deal with them in Japan? 



Instead of throwing it away, I would suggest that you recycle your clothes. This can be done at any H&M stores in Japan. Bring in your clothes (any sized bag), and mention at the cash register that you want to recycle or “ri-sai-ku-ru”.



The shop staff will bring out a plastic folder where a log of recycled clothing is kept, and in exchange for your kind donation, they will give you a 500 yen coupon for your next purchase!



Although there is no limit to bag size to exchange for the coupon, note though, that there is a minimum purchase price (3000 yen) before you use this coupon. 

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