HiroshimaHub resident guide
Garbage sorting in Hiroshima: practical resident guide
A hands-on guide to collection calendars, categories, Japanese keywords, neighborhood rules and mistakes that new residents often make.
Start with your address
Garbage collection is local. Confirm your building’s garbage station, category calendar and rules with your landlord, management company, ward information, or Hiroshima City official garbage resources.
Do not copy another building
Even nearby apartments can use different stations or timing. Ask before putting out your first bag.
Core keywords
| English | Japanese | Resident note |
|---|---|---|
| Burnable garbage | 可燃ごみ | Check local bag and day rules. |
| Non-burnable garbage | 不燃ごみ | Often less frequent; do not mix with burnable. |
| Recyclables/resources | 資源ごみ | Cans, bottles, paper etc. depend on city categories. |
| Plastic bottles | ペットボトル | Cap/label rules may apply. |
| Large-sized waste | 大型ごみ | Usually requires separate procedure/payment. |
| Collection day | 収集日 | Put out at the correct time, not the night before unless your building allows it. |
First week actions
- Find the posted collection calendar in your building.
- Ask where the garbage station is and when bags may be placed there.
- Separate at home using labeled bags/boxes.
- Take photos of confusing Japanese notices and translate before disposal.
- For large items, check official large-waste procedures before moving day.
Common mistakes
- Putting items out on the wrong day.
- Using the wrong station.
- Mixing bottles/cans/plastic with burnable garbage.
- Leaving large furniture without booking the correct collection.
- Ignoring building-specific rules because city-wide rules looked simple.
Official checks
Use HiroshimaHub for plain-language planning, then confirm current rules, forms, offices and deadlines on official pages before submitting documents or making payments.
Last updated: June 14, 2026