Initiatives of Local Governments for Promoting Waste Recycling and Eco-town Programs in Japan

Transcription

1 Initiatives of Local Governments for Promoting Waste Recycling and Eco-town Programs in Japan Aichi Prefectural Government Akita Prefectural Government Chiba Prefectural Government Gifu Prefectural Government Hokkaido Prefectural Government Kawasaki City Government Kitakyushu City Government Sapporo City Government Toyama City Government March 2012 Global Enviroment Centre Osaka, Japan

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3 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Aichi Prefectural Government Recycling and Waste Management Division, Department of the Environment September 2004 Whole area of Aichi Prefecture: 5,165 km 2 Whole area of Aichi Prefecture 20 facilities - Manufacturing chips (used as raw materials for pulp and boards, and as fuel), decomposed fiber (used as raw materials for mattresses), and wood flour from waste wood (including from demolishing residential houses, lumber from thinning, and pruned branches) - Manufacturing high-value-added mattresses with low environmental impact from decomposed fiber derived from waste wood - Manufacturing 100% wood-plastic composites with wood flour derived from waste wood - Recovering valuable metals (nickel and zinc) from sludge and dust - Recovering raw materials for steel-making from automobile shredder residue (ASR) - Recycling waste rubber raw materials (waste rubber before vulcanization) generated from rubber manufacturing plants into rubber raw materials - Manufacturing fertilizer and livestock feed from food waste by using sub-critical (hydrothermal) systems - Collecting and recycling used lead-acid batteries for industrial use - Manufacturing foamed glass beads (artificial light-weight aggregate) from waste glass - Manufacturing alcohol (for solvents and fuel) from food waste - Ensuring tracking management and recycling of pachinko & pachislot machines - Separating and recovering valuable materials from scrap materials generated during housing renovation - Manufacturing livestock feed and bioethanol from food waste generated by food manufacturing companies - Manufacturing biodegradable plastic products derived from waste magnetic materials and oyster shells - Manufacturing alternative raw materials in place of coke and alternative fuels in place of heavy oil from waste wooden pallets, logged trees, and pruned branches - Separating, recovering, and recycling gypsum and paper from waste plaster boards - Recovering recycled aggregates from waste concrete blocks - Recycling plating wastewater - Recycling laminated glass with film - Recycling forest thinnings and waste wood from urban areas

4 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Shortage of waste disposal sites - In Aichi Prefecture, it has become increasingly difficult to secure new waste disposal sites; the conventional approach (i.e., proper waste treatment) alone no longer sufficed. In 1999, the City of Nagoya issued the Waste Emergency Declaration. Waste reduction and promotion of recycling required by national law - The Basic Act on Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society was enacted in 2000, requiring local governments to implement policies that are necessary to establish a recycling society. Necessity of revitalizing the local economy - With the traditional heavy industries somewhat on the decline, the Aichi Prefectural Government was seeking ways to revitalize the local economy. - The conventional major industries in Aichi Prefecture (including the automobile industry) were facing limits to growth, so private companies were also seeking new business models. Leadership of the local government - The governor of the Aichi Prefectural Government demonstrated strong leadership toward establishing a recycling society. In 2003, the Plan for Establishing a Resource Recycling Society in Aichi Prefecture was formulated. - Recognizing the urgent need to establish a resource recycling society, the waste management department of the Aichi Prefectural Government took the initiative in drawing up an action plan. Objective The eco-town plan is intended to systematically establish efficient and innovative waste recycling facilities, and to facilitate the spread of recycling businesses, thereby promoting community planning in harmony with the environment, while considering the characteristics of communities in the prefecture. Priority wastes - Six items of industrial waste: sludge, soot & dust, construction debris, waste plastics, waste glass and waste ceramics, wood wastes - Municipal solid waste Basic concept To make Aichi an environmentally and economically active hub of manufacturing Aichi is known as the leading quality manufacturing prefecture in Japan. The Aichi Prefectural Government actively encourages the creation of new, high value-added recycling businesses based on citizens participation, communication and collaboration among industry, academia, and local government, and cooperation among business operators, by taking advantage of (i) the advanced industrial technologies developed in the prefecture and (ii) the accomplishments of the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan based on the theme of Nature s Wisdom. Efforts are under way to make Aichi an environmentally and economically active hub of manufacturing where recycling businesses and existing industries (such as the manufacturing industry) work closely with, and create demand for, one another in the social and economic system. Aichi Eco-Town Plan (summary in English)

5 Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Creating and assisting recycling businesses Effective and innovative recycling businesses (e.g., a recycling industry for effectively utilizing unused waste as a resource) are being created and developed based on the prefecture s advantage as an industrial and technological hub. Encouraging companies to take eco-conscious actions Companies are encouraged to take eco-conscious actions throughout their manufacturing processes and to manufacture eco-conscious products. Promoting the zero emissions community initiative Zero emissions activities are promoted on a regional basis involving companies, residents, and local governments, etc. Improving an eco-related information system The Resource Recycling Information System is established to facilitate developing, creating and stimulating innovative and effective recycling businesses. Enhancing eco learning and education Eco learning and environmental education are enhanced to encourage every resident to consider their own lifestyle and take eco-conscious actions both at work and home. - The region is a hub of advanced industrial technologies. - Existing companies launched recycling businesses to seek new business opportunities. - In many cases, manufacturers own large tracts of land where they could start their recycling business. (It is difficult for companies to purchase new plots of land.) - With the progress in recycling efforts, companies started voluntarily to switch from waste disposal to recycling and to reduce internal costs. The promotion of recycling efforts also boosted the development of sorting technologies and systems, and many intermediate waste processing companies also emerged. - Companies took the initiative in building their own network. Recycling Business Creation Meeting - Based on the voluntary participation of private companies and under the coordination of academic experts, matching arrangements are made for collaborative research programs and joint projects to develop innovative and effective recycling technologies. - Technology development focuses on recycling of priority wastes to be addressed. At present, seven items are specified (i.e., sludge, soot & dust, construction debris, waste plastics, waste glass and waste ceramics, wood waste, and municipal solid waste). - Also, draft business plans and ideas proposed by companies, etc. are reviewed from various aspects and improved to better serve the public interest. - Excellent business plans are recognized under the Aichi Eco-Town Program, and support is provided for such as for subsidizing the construction of facilities and promoting the use of recycled products. Recycling Business Creation Coordinator System - Experienced experts who have retired from private companies and universities are hired to organize recycling business creation meetings and seminars, and to provide customized business matching services across various industries and manufactures. Introduction of industrial waste disposal tax - In 2006, the industrial waste disposal tax (JPY 1,000/ton) was introduced in Aichi Prefecture. - This tax is intended to discourage the generation of industrial waste, encourage the reuse and recycling of waste, and reduce the landfill volume. - The tax revenues are ring-fenced in a special fund to be used as subsidies for feasibility studies on recycling technologies, etc., construction of waste recycling facilities, the purchase of equipment, etc., and as operating costs for promoting recycling businesses (e.g., holding recycling business creation meetings and employing coordinators to organize the meetings). Providing resource recycling information - The Resource Recycling Information System was developed in collaboration with Toyohashi University of Technology, and provides the following information. - Materials flow: Distribution channels of resources and waste materials in respective industries in Aichi Prefecture, annual changes in consumption of resources and volume of waste generated, distribution of waste generated and recycled in respective local governments, etc.

6 Future prospects - Resource recycling information: Eco-related information (including the 3R s), business operators in the prefecture that have specific recycling technologies, etc. This information facilitates to match companies that generate waste with companies that accept and recycle waste. - Eco project files: Successful efforts made by local governments, companies, and NPOs in the past to reduce waste, and other current efforts Aichi Prefecture Environment Award - Companies, organizations, and residents are invited to apply based on their pioneering and effective technologies, programs, activities, and education programs for recycling resources and reducing environmental impact. Excellent efforts are commended. - Excellent efforts are publicized so that new production systems and lifestyles become accepted as a part of society, thereby promoting to create a resource recycling society. - Notably, the Aichi Prefecture Environment Award is useful for small and medium-sized companies to raise their profile by publicizing their business values. The Aichi Prefectural Government will continue to make efforts to reduce the final disposal volume of waste and promote recycling. The prefectural government also aims to encourage advanced efforts that broadly contribute to reducing environmental impact, such as utilizing unused energy and reducing CO 2 emissions, in addition to promoting recycling businesses.

7 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Akita Prefectural Government Department of Resources, Energy and Industry, Division of Industry and Labor November 1999 Revised: January 2003 and October 2004 Northern Part of Akita Prefecture: 4, km 2 Northern Part of Akita Prefecture Recycling of used home appliances - Used refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners, TV sets (which are all required to be collected under the Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances in Japan; in short, the Home Appliance Recycling Law ), PCs, and office equipment are collected from Akita Prefecture and two neighboring prefectures, and disassembled to recover glass, plastics, steel materials, and aluminum, as well as circuit boards and motors, etc. - Collected circuit boards, etc. are used to recover valuable metals (e.g., gold, silver, copper, and lead) as raw materials. - CFCs contained in insulation materials of refrigerators are also recovered and decomposed. Recovery of nonferrous metals - Valuable metals (e.g., gold, silver, copper, and lead) are recovered from circuit boards of used home appliances, personal computers, office equipment, etc. (plastics with low content of nonferrous metals) and automobile shredder residue (ASR). Manufacture of construction materials from waste plastics and wood waste - Wood waste (e.g., forest thinnings generated from forestry, wood chips from the wood processing industry, wood waste from dismantled houses) and waste plastics (e.g., used agricultural films, waste containers and packaging, scrap materials from plastic products factories) are formed and processed to manufacture construction materials for window frames, doors, floor materials, wood decks, benches, etc. Manufacture of recycled plastic products from coal ash and waste plastics - Coal ash (fly ash) generated from coal-powered thermal power plants and waste plastics (e.g., waste containers and packaging as well as waste plastics generated from plants that manufacture recycled products) are ground, mixed, and solidified to manufacture recycled plastic construction materials (e.g., plastic drain boxes and plastic gutters) by extrusion forming. Production of compost from food waste and chicken droppings - Food waste generated from supermarkets/school lunch suppliers and chicken droppings generated from poultry farms are used as raw materials to produce compost. Rice hulls are used as moisture-control materials. - Efforts have been made to establish recycling-based agriculture by utilizing waste generated from the livestock, food processing, and rice farming industries. Separation of glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles - Recyclable glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles are separated from glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles collected from households, etc., to be classified and compressed.

8 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Programs for promoting eco-town development Needs to revitalize the local economy - The northern part of Akita Prefecture (Northern Akita) developed as one of the largest mining areas in Japan, producing copper, zinc, and lead, among others. Due to the sharp appreciation of the yen after 1985, however, metals produced in Japan were no longer price competitive against imported metals and therefore the mining industry in Northern Akita declined. By 1994, all the mines in the prefecture had closed down. - Forestry was once a booming industry in Northern Akita. However, lumber produced in Japan had lost its price competitiveness against inexpensive imported lumber, and forestry was also on the decline. - Under these circumstances, Akita Prefectural Government faced an urgent need to create new industries in place of forestry and mining and thereby create jobs. Shortage of waste disposal sites across Japan - Across Japan, there was a shortage of waste disposal sites due to increased emissions of industrial waste. Thus, the demand for waste recycling was expected to grow. A hub of mining-related technologies and facilities - Northern Akita was a hub of mining-related technologies and facilities for ore dressing and smelting, and these technologies and facilities could be used to recover nonferrous metals from waste. Meanwhile, the existing network of mining-related companies made it easy to solicit participation and cooperation from various companies in launching new recycling businesses. Enforcement of recycling laws - The Home Appliance Recycling Law and other national laws on recycling were enforced, which laid the foundation for developing waste recycling as a business. A framework for the eco-town program created by the national government - In 1997, the framework for the eco-town program initiated by the national government was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to grant national government subsidies to local governments for carrying out recycling efforts. Creation of an environmentally friendly society in harmonious coexistence with the rich natural environment To curb and reduce waste generation, and recycle waste To create new industries by utilizing the local mining-related infrastructure To create new resource recycling industries through collaboration among local industries To introduce new energy industries Programs for promoting recycling of home appliances on a commercial basis - Conducting demonstrations of recycling home appliances prior to their recycling on a commercial basis, to help solve problems in the recycling processes (including collection, transportation, disassembly/decomposition/processing, and detoxification) - Conducting surveys and research projects to establish a collection system (which is a challenge for municipal governments) for recycling home appliances - Building collection systems in respective municipalities to establish a home appliances recycling system through a collaboration between Akita Prefecture and two neighboring prefectures Programs for building consensus toward establishing a resource recycling society - Hosting symposia and exhibitions about the eco-town program and environment/recycling to build consensus among residents toward a recycling society, increase residents understanding, and solicit active participation - Organizing various PR campaigns to promote waste reduction and recycling via collaboration among municipalities Feasibility studies on the manufacture of construction materials from waste plastics and wood waste on a commercial basis - Conducting feasibility studies on the use of wood waste (generated from forestry and lumber industry, which are major industries in Northern Akita) and waste plastics (generated from home appliances recycling factories and plastic products factories, etc.) as raw materials to manufacture new construction materials, etc. on a commercial basis

9 Major success factors Utilizing existing mining-related technologies and human resources in the region - Northern Akita was home to many companies with mining-related technologies (i.e., ore dressing and smelting). The existing technologies and facilities owned by these companies were fully utilized for various waste recycling solutions including recovering nonferrous metals from waste, thus creating new industries. Utilizing locally available natural resources and waste - While Northern Akita produces natural resources such as zeolite, diatomite, pearlite, and pumice, the region also generates a large amount of waste, including wood waste from forestry and lumber industry, coal ash from coal-powered thermal power plants, and waste plastics from agriculture. The utilization of natural resources in combination with waste enabled the creation of new industries, beyond mere waste processing. Leadership taken by the local government - The industry promotion department of the prefectural government was actively involved in establishing new recyclers, serving as an intermediary between companies, promoting sales of recycled products, and assisting coordination with local residents, among others. - The environmental department (which implements the prefectural government s plan for establishing a recycling society) and the industry promotion department (which implements the eco-town program) worked together to promote their respective policy approaches. - The governor made a public pledge to establish a recycling society, and actively visited companies and field sites. In a conference with governors of neighboring prefectures, the governor also made a proposal regarding a used home appliances collection system, and obtained consensus. - Prefectural assemblymen formed a league focused on the environment and recycling, and requested the national government to extend support. Securing sales channels for recycled products by using the existing network of companies - In the existing lumber and mining industries and relevant industries, business connections and partnerships already existed among various companies in the prefecture. These networks were effectively used to secure sales channels for recycled products including dismantled and sorted materials and parts. Buyers of many recycled products were found both in and outside the prefecture. Increasing residents understanding and awareness - The prefectural government and municipal governments worked together to host symposia in different parts of the prefecture, and to help residents and companies understand the objective of the eco-town program and raise their awareness about the environment and recycling. Mutual trust between existing local companies and local residents - In many cases, new recycling businesses were launched by existing local companies or established via joint investment by existing local companies. In some cases, mutual trust built between local companies and local residents helped in starting new recycling businesses.

10 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Industrial waste disposal tax and environmental protection charge - In 2004, Akita Prefectural Government launched an industrial waste disposal tax system and an environmental protection charge system to curb generation and encourage proper processing/recycling of industrial waste. - Under the industrial waste disposal tax system, a tax of JPY1,000/ton is imposed on industrial waste transported to waste disposal sites in the prefecture. - Under the environmental protection charge system, a tax of JPY50 500/ton is imposed on industrial waste transported from outside the prefecture to waste disposal sites, waste intermediate processing facilities, and waste recycling facilities in the prefecture. - The industrial waste disposal tax and environmental protection charge are used to cover the costs of programs, surveys, R&D, awareness campaigns, etc. to support companies that work to curb generation and reduce/recycle industrial waste. Granting subsidies - Akita Prefectural Government grants subsidies for the following activities. The subsidies are funded by the industrial waste disposal tax and general revenues. a. Programs to install equipment in the prefecture for reusing/recycling waste and recovering thermal energy b. Experiment and research regarding programs for reusing/recycling waste and recovering thermal energy c. Participation in events (including eco exhibitions and trade fairs) for establishing a recycling society, to exhibit recycled products (manufactured by own companies) for commercial purposes d. Sales promotion surveys, quality tests, design development activities, and promotional ads for recycled products that are or will be manufactured e. Awareness campaigns regarding eco industries that use equipment for reusing/recycling industrial waste and recovering thermal energy f. Outsourcing surveys to specialized institutions to better recycle and curb emissions of industrial waste generated in the prefecture g. Efforts to build a recycling system through collaboration among companies, to better recycle and curb emissions of industrial waste generated in the prefecture Collaboration with R&D institutions - Collaboration between R&D institutions (e.g., the Faculty of Engineering and Resource Science, Akita University; Akita Prefectural University; the Institute for Mining Research and Studies; the Institute of Wood Technology, Akita Prefectural University) and local governments/companies has been promoted to create new industries related to recycling. Future prospects Under the eco-town program, Akita Prefectural Government plans to conduct the following activities: Recycling used small home appliances, etc. - In Japan, the Home Appliance Recycling Law requires the collection of used TV sets, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners. In many cases, other used home appliances are processed/disposed of as municipal solid waste. However, a high proportion of small electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras contain rare metals and other scarce resources. - With a track record of resource recycling by utilizing mining technologies, etc. and necessary facilities already in place, etc., Northern Akita has a suitable environment for recovering rare metals on a commercial basis. - Akita Prefectural Government therefore launched a program in 2006 to collect used small electronic devices (25 cm x 15 cm or smaller) and recover rare metals and other metal resources. 2006: Test collection commenced in one city (Odate City). 2007: Test collection implemented in seven cities and towns. 2008: Test collection commenced in all municipalities.

11 Promoting tourism in connection with eco industries - While Northern Akita is a hub of eco industries and recycling industries that take advantage of mining technologies, the region also has many tourist attractions (e.g., nature, spa, food culture) and modern industrial heritages (e.g., mining-related facilities). - In 2006, local eco-related businesses, tourism-related entities, and local governments started to present new models of tourism (enabling tourists to learn about a society in harmonious coexistence with the environment) and to develop programs for educational tours (involving environmental education) by taking advantage of the region s various features. - Promoting tourism in connection with eco industries will help increase public recognition of Akita Prefecture and improve its image as a pioneer in environment and recycling, improve environmental education, and revitalize the local economy. - The following efforts have been made to promote tourism in connection with eco industries: Setting up an information desk to accept visitors to environmental facilities/waste recycling facilities, coordinating with companies, and distributing information Offering training programs for eco industry tour guides, and preparing guide manuals and safety/security manuals Developing experience-based learning programs, and preparing supplementary readers and educational DVDs for educational tours Taking advantage of the region s features (e.g., nature, spa, food culture), and organizing experimental tours to solicit opinions Creating and promoting eco industries/recycling industries across the prefecture - To stimulate the overall eco industries across the prefecture, various existing support frameworks implemented by Akita Prefectural Government are used to share the accomplishments of the Northern Akita s eco-town program across the prefecture and create/promote novel and unique recycling businesses, thereby creating jobs in the prefecture and increasing local citizens income. - The prefectural government has engaged in the following to create and promote eco industries and recycling industries across the prefecture: Providing information to, and collecting information from, municipal governments and regional development bureaus of the prefectural government regarding the environment and recycling Assisting companies via collaboration between municipal governments and regional development bureaus Assisting companies regarding environmental/recycling technologies, marketing, procurement of recycled raw materials, sales channels for recycled products, etc. Conducting surveys on companies challenges and needs in waste processing and recycling Assisting business-matching between businesses that generate waste and recyclers Helping to build an industry-academia-government network for recycling Promoting recycling businesses via interaction with Southeast Asian countries - As a hub of eco industries and recycling industries, Akita Prefecture is home to an array of environmental and recycling technologies and eco-town expertise. - In FY2009, Akita Prefectural Government started to work with the national government to share the environmental/recycling technologies and eco-town expertise developed in the prefecture with Southeast Asian countries, to help these countries build resource recycling systems. This project is also intended to help companies in the prefecture create and expand new environmental and recycling businesses.

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13 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Chiba Prefectural Government Recycling and Waste Management Division, Environmental and Community Affairs Department January 1999 Revised: September 2002, November 2003, October 2004 and August 2005 Western and central parts of Chiba Prefecture Western and central parts of Chiba Prefecture Government subsidized facilities: 7 facilities Production of recycled cement from waste incinerator ash, etc. - Recycled cement is produced by calcining a mixture of municipal solid waste incinerator ash, sludge from water/wastewater treatment and industrial processes, seashell waste, limestone, clay, iron oxide, etc. Applications of recycled cement as a raw material include residential construction materials, wave-dissipating concrete blocks, street curbstones and gutters, pavement blocks, and soil stabilizer. - Dioxins contained in incinerator ash are decomposed and heavy metals such as lead and copper are recovered during the process of producing recycled cement. Slag and metal recovery through direct melting of municipal solid waste - Municipal solid waste, bulky waste, incinerator ash, human waste, septic tank sludge, etc. are directly gasified and melted to recover slag and metal. Recovered slag is used as asphalt and concrete aggregate. Recovered metal is used for the counterweights of cranes and other heavy equipment. Bio gasification of food waste and organic waste - Methane gas is recovered from anaerobic digestion of food/organic waste from food manufacturing industries, food retailers and households, etc. The recovered methane gas is used as a fuel by the adjacent steelworks. Production of recycled plywood from waste wood and plastics - Waste wood is crushed into wood chips and fibers. Waste plastics are crushed into plastic flakes or melted and drawn into plastic fibers. Recycled plywood is produced from the wood chips/fibers and plastic flakes/fibers. Recovery of recyclable raw materials from disused farm machines and golf carts - Disused farm machines and golf carts received are dismantled by following the assembly steps in reverse. Individual parts and components are accurately separated and sorted by material, and high-quality recyclable raw materials are recovered (scrap steel, scrap copper, scrap aluminum, plastic and glass). Recovered materials are used as raw materials or fuel for steelmaking in a nearby steelworks. Recycling seashells into materials for steelmaking (limestone substitute) - Shell waste generated from trough-shell processing at local industries is crushed and used as a substitute material for limestone in steelmaking process. Recovery of recycled resin from used carpet tiles - Used PVC carpet tiles received are processed into particles, and PVC compound are recovered. Recycled PVC compound is used as a raw material for carpet tiles. Non-subsidized facilities Recovery of fuel gas, slag and metal via gasification and melting of industrial waste - Industrial waste (waste plastics, sludge, waste wood, waste paper, etc.) is processed by gasifying and melting, and fuel gas, slag, metal are recovered. Recovered fuel gas is used as a fuel by the adjacent steelworks, recovered slag is used as a road base material, and recovered metal is sold as a non-ferrous metal material.

14 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Shortage of waste disposal sites - Chiba Prefecture was faced with a major challenge of reducing the amount of waste disposal due to difficulties in constructing new waste disposal sites and dwindling capacity of existing sites. There was an urgent need to shift from the conventional landfill method of waste management to a system that does not depend on waste disposal sites. - In particular, reduction of the final waste disposal was a growing issue in western and central parts of Chiba Prefecture due to the high levels of urbanization and industrialization in those areas, which generated large volumes of waste. Chiba Prefectural Government s waste management policy - The Chiba Prefectural Government drew up the following policies and plans and conducted various activities to reduce waste production, promote recycling and develop relevant systems. Basic policy for promoting waste reduction and recycling in Chiba Prefecture (1994) Municipal solid waste management master plan for Chiba Prefecture (1997) Area-wide waste management plan in Chiba Prefecture (1998) Development of eco-town program by the national government - In 1997, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment established a national eco-town program in order to build a resource recycling society and achieve regional development by promoting environmental industries. Purpose of eco-town program The Chiba Prefectural Government developed an eco-town program to implement its zero emission vision, choosing the western and central parts of the prefecture as model areas due to their high levels of urbanization and industrialization. The goal of the program is to achieve environment-friendly urban development incorporating new-technology-based recycling systems, by constructing recycling facilities utilizing the technical expertise and capital of the private sector. Basic concepts of eco-town program The eco-town program aims to minimize waste disposal, or to promote the zero emission vision. The purposes of the program also include reducing environmental impacts on a local and global basis and regional development by stimulating environmental industries based on industrial experience in the target areas. Basic policy - Minimize the final disposal of municipal solid waste generated in cities and municipalities in the target areas of the eco-town program, by promoting the production control and recycling of municipal solid waste. Measures include educational activities across a wide area, encouragement of the development and introduction of waste processing/recycling technologies, and collection and dissemination of information on recycling. - Minimize the final disposal of waste from businesses located in the coastal, exclusive industrial zone in the target area of the eco-town program, by controlling waste from the production processes of various industries and facilitating the recycling of waste byproducts among various industries. - Draw up and propose a plan for efficient and advanced processing/recycling of municipal solid waste by adopting an area-wide waste management approach. - Conserve natural resources by optimally using recyclable resources and reduce environmental impacts by encouraging the introduction of waste processing technologies with low environmental emissions (dioxins, CO2, etc.). - Increase job opportunities and achieve regional development by supporting and fostering businesses working on research and development of original and pioneering waste processing technologies, thereby promoting such private-sector environmental industries.

15 Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors Environmental education activities - The Chiba Prefecture Environmental Master Plan requests stakeholders (prefectural government, municipal governments, businesses, residents and private-sector organizations) to cooperate in promoting environmental education to encourage individuals to consider the environment. Information on the eco-town program is incorporated in this environmental education to raise awareness about the program. Program recognition - Opportunities such as exhibitions and other events are used to display and explain the eco-town program to help residents, businesses and related administrative bodies to understand the need to shift toward a resource recycling society. Eco-town program brochure creation - Eco-town program approaches will be publicized to residents and businesses by creating an eco-town program brochure that explains the development of a resource recycling society. Information provision - The Chiba Prefectural Government provides information on waste and recycling on its website. The website also contains information about the eco-town program for residents, businesses and related administrative bodies. Assessment of area-wide recycling systems making full use of the recycling industry complex - Area-wide recycling systems that make full use of the recycling industry complex have been assessed, and the future of the recycling industry complex has been analyzed. Waste quantity assurance - Chiba Prefecture is located in Japan s metropolitan area, and produces much waste. Adjacent to Japan s capital, Tokyo, the prefecture also receives much waste from Tokyo, and so a large volume of wastes, or materials for recycling, is assured in the prefecture. Strong administrative leadership for waste production control and recycling - In Chiba Prefecture, the prefectural government has actively worked to raise awareness among residents to reduce waste production due to the shortage of waste disposal sites. Residents strong awareness of waste production control and recycling - In Chiba Prefecture, residents were already considering controlling waste production due to the decreasing remaining capacity of waste disposal sites and administrative campaigns. - Residents of Chiba Prefecture were performing established sorting and separate collection of wastes and recyclable waste collection by community groups. The prefecture s waste recycling rate has long been higher than that of other prefectures. Waste recycling has become an established part of daily life in the prefecture. Wealth of waste treatment techniques within the prefecture - In Chiba Prefecture, there were many intermediate waste treatment facilities and disposal sites because of wastes from Tokyo and many businesses with various waste treatment techniques developed in the prefecture. Since the prefecture s wastes were also being recycled at a high rate, there was the potential for viable recycling businesses. Private-sector businesses initiatives in developing new recycling businesses - New recycling businesses were mostly proposed by private companies. - Local companies were involved in recycling businesses, and took the initiative in setting up waste collection routes. - The prefectural government set up information exchange opportunities to listen to the views and requests of the business sector on waste treatment and to provide information including future plans from the prefectural government to the business sector. Introduction of recycling businesses simultaneously with the replacement of existing municipal waste treatment facilities - A direct melting facility was built as a municipal waste treatment facility to collectively replace individual waste treatment facilities owned by municipal governments, instead of remodeling them. This made waste treatment more efficient than by individual municipalities. Moreover, the quantity of recycled products produced at the melting facility increased.

16 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Future prospects Collaboration with existing industries - A waste recycling plan was drawn up to make optimal use of waste as a raw material for steelmaking in the steel manufacturing process of existing steelworks. The plan led to the efficient use of existing steelmaking facilities. - It became unnecessary to seek to secure new markets for slag from waste recycling process by collaborating with existing steel corporations, which made it possible to sell the slag jointly with blast furnace slag generated in their steelworks. Development of recycling businesses in line with the characteristics of wastes generated in the prefecture - There are many disused farm machines in Chiba Prefecture, since agriculture is a major industry here. - Chiba Prefecture has many golf courses which dispose of many disused golf carts. - Recycling businesses have been founded in line with the characteristics of these wastes. Consistency with relevant master plans - In 2002, the Chiba Prefectural Government laid down the Waste Treatment Plan in Chiba Prefecture and the Resource Recycling Society Development Plan in Chiba Prefecture. In these plans, the eco-town program was treated as one of the priority issues. Cooperation with related divisions in the prefectural government and municipal governments - The waste management division of the prefectural government is in charge of the eco-town program. When implementing the program, the division worked in cooperation with related divisions as follows: Coordination with the ports & harbors division concerning the construction of recycling facilities in coastal areas Promotion of the use of recycled cement by construction related divisions and municipal governments Collaboration with the waste recycling promotion program implemented by the Chiba City Government (for bio gasification of food/organic waste and gasification and melting of industrial waste) Coordination with local residents living in the vicinity of recycling facilities - In the initial stage of the eco-town program, it was necessary to gain local residents understanding of recycling facilities. After providing thorough explanations to relieve their concerns, we obtained their understanding. - The quantity of waste is affected by business fluctuations and progress in waste reduction. - The Chiba Prefectural Government will continue to take various policy approaches in order to facilitate practical 3R efforts through collaboration with residents, businesses, etc. and the use of biomass for building a resource recycling society. Furthermore, the prefectural government intends to promote proper treatment, reduction and recycling of industrial waste by providing instructions to waste-producing businesses.

17 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors Gifu Prefectural Government Waste and Recycling Affairs Division, Environmental and Community Affairs Department July 1997 Whole area of Gifu Prefecture: 10,621 km 2 In a specific area 2 facilities - Recovering plastic raw materials (PP/PE flakes) from waste plastic containers and packaging - Manufacturing recycled plastic products from plastic raw materials (PP/PE flakes) Shortage of waste disposal sites - The Gifu Prefectural Government faced a serious shortage of capacity in waste disposal sites, yet it was difficult to build new sites in the prefecture. Necessity of an integrated waste management policy - The prefectural government needed to present a waste management policy (including the construction of waste disposal sites and development of a recycling-oriented system) to residents. A framework for the eco-town program created by the national government - The framework for the eco-town program initiated by the national government was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to grant national government subsidies to local governments to promote recycling efforts. Efforts are being made to popularize safe and secure waste treatment and recycling facilities, protect a good living environment and natural environment, reduce the impact on the global environment, and build an attractive model community with many amenities. Formulating a plan for promoting the eco-town program Hosting Global Environment Village Gifu Fairs (Both of these activities were completed in FY 2005.) Leadership taken by the local government - The governor of the Gifu Prefectural Government demonstrated strong leadership in promoting the eco-town program. - The Gifu Prefectural Government s fifth master plan created in 1994 presented five principles of waste recycling (i.e., comprehensive recycling, safety first, closed-loop framework, public involvement, and cross-sectoral commitment by local government), which boosted the prefectural government s efforts toward waste reduction, appropriate treatment, and recycling. - The construction of recycling facilities was promoted via collaboration between the waste management department (which promotes the prefectural government s recycling efforts) and the industry promotion department (which supports venture companies). Initiatives by private-sector companies - Cement companies started to accept waste as an alternative raw material to reduce the cost of cement raw materials, which helped reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of.

18 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Future prospects System for authorizing recycled goods and products - To encourage the use of recycled products, the prefectural government became the first local government in Japan to create a system for authorizing recycled products. Thus far, 294 products have been authorized (as of July 2011). - The specifications for government procurement set by the prefectural government provide for the priority use of recycled products authorized by the prefectural government. - In general, people tend to choose non-recycled products, even if the price and quality of recycled products are equivalent to those of non-recycled products. It is necessary to thoroughly inform the general public about recycled products and change their attitude. Raising residents awareness about sorting and recycling waste - At first, residents failed to properly sort waste plastic containers and packaging. Municipal waste collection companies requested local municipal governments in the prefecture to encourage the sorting of waste, which then improved. - Increased eco awareness in society helped make residents more aware of sorting and recycling. The local municipal governments also worked to raise residents awareness about the importance of sorting. Thus, waste sorting improved, which increased operating efficiency at recycling facilities. The Gifu prefectural government has been implementing a policy for building a resource recycling society. Promotion of the 3R s is now recognized as one of the processes in environmental administration of the prefectural government.

19 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Hokkaido Prefectural Government Recycling Society Promotion Division, Bureau of Environmental Affairs, Department of Environment and Lifestyle June 2000 Whole area of Hokkaido Prefecture: 83,456 km 2 Whole area of Hokkaido Prefecture Facilities for centralized waste recycling < Facilities in operation > - Recycling of used home appliances - Recycling of waste paper/waste paper containers and packaging < Proposed facility > - Recycling of municipal solid waste incineration ash into cement raw material Facilities for regional waste recycling Southern Hokkaido Area Central Hokkaido Area Northern Hokkaido Area Okhotsk Area Tokachi Area Kushiro- Nemuro Area Recycling of fisheries waste 1 1 Recycling of squid processing waste 1 Recycling of scallop processing waste 2 Recycling of scallop shell waste 1 Methane fermentation using livestock excreta Composting of livestock excreta 1 Recycling of waste agricultural PVC products 1 Recycling of waste PET bottles 2 Liquefaction of waste plastics 1 Recycling of waste plastics into substitute fuel for coke Production of refuse derived fuel (RDF) 2 2 Recycling of scrap tires 1 1 Recycling of used glass bottles 1 1 Recycling of used batteries and used fluorescent lamps Recycling of used beverage cartons 1 Recycling of mixed waste paper 1 Gasification and melting of shredder residue Gasification and melting of municipal solid wastes

20 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Unfavorable Situation regarding Waste Discharge and Management In Hokkaido Prefecture, municipal solid waste was generated and recycled as follows: - The daily per capita generation of municipal solid waste was higher than the national average. - Municipal solid waste was landfilled at a higher rate than the national average. - The recycling rate of municipal solid waste was significantly low, at about half of the national average. Specific Industrial Waste Issues - Dairy and animal husbandry are key industries in Hokkaido Prefecture. Animal excreta from these industries accounts for about half of industrial waste generated in Hokkaido Prefecture. - Among industrial waste, construction waste is generated mostly in central Hokkaido Area. In other areas, fisheries and agricultural wastes account for a large proportion of industrial waste. The amount of these wastes are huge, therefore, a strategic approach was needed to promote waste recycling in Hokkaido Prefecture. Enforcement of Recycling Laws - Various national recycling laws, such as the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law and the Home Appliance Recycling Law, have come into effect. In Hokkaido Prefecture as in other prefectures, it became necessary to collect different wastes separately and to establish efficient waste collection routes. Master Plans for Building a Recycling Society - The third Hokkaido Prefecture Long-Term Master Plan, established in 1998, defines the Prefectural Government s environmental policy for creating an environment-friendly society to pass down a better environment to future generations. - In addition, the Hokkaido Prefecture Environmental Master Plan was established in 1998, which contains the phrase the creation of a recycling society that seeks to protect the global environment from a local point of view as a long-term goal and specifies that resource recycling be promoted as a policy direction. The eco-town program is an important, zero emission-oriented action program designed to provide concrete ways to develop a recycling society from a local perspective, using techniques and facilities of private companies. The basic concepts of the eco-town program are as follows. (1) Create a recycling society in harmony with the rich natural environment. (2) Develop a resource recycling industry in collaboration with agriculture, forestry, fisheries, steel manufacturing, paper manufacturing, cement manufacturing and other industries. (3) Cooperate with existing businesses and create new recycling businesses to reduce landfilling operations to zero. Promotion of recycle processing based on the properties of waste Promote recycle processing by setting up the following waste categories, taking into consideration waste generation, logistics, and use of recycled products. a) Wastes efficiently and intensively recycled at one location in Hokkaido Prefecture - Used home appliances, paper containers and packages, incinerated ash and waste plastics b) Wastes efficiently recycled locally in each area - Fisheries waste, sewage sludge, animal excreta, shredder residue, and construction waste c) Wastes regarded as unused resources for development of new uses - Kitchen refuse, scallop shells, composite material waste from construction sites, and waste incinerator slag

21 Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors * See Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development for more information about the following. Research and Dissemination Program Conducts various researches on the actual conditions of waste reduction and resource recycling, publishes various educational materials including the 3R Handbook, and holds 3R promotion events. 3R Campaign Promotion Program Ensures collaboration and coordination among various industry-academia-government conferences, including the Hokkaido Prefectural Council for Promoting the Use of Recyclable Materials, and related institutions. Biomass Use Promotion Program Promotes biomass utilization efforts through industry-academia-government and local community collaborations, including the operation of the Hokkaido Prefecture Biomass Network Conference. Authorization program of recycled goods and products Facilitates the use of recycled products, with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government authorizing and advertising recycled products that meet specific standards. Tax system for promoting the use of recyclable materials (Industrial waste disposal tax system) Supports equipment development and R&D activities that are intended to reduce industrial waste generation or to recycle industrial waste. Master Plans for Building a Recycling Society - The Hokkaido Prefecture Long-Term Master Plan, the Hokkaido Prefecture Environmental Master Plan, the Hokkaido Prefecture Waste Management Plan and other master plans define policies for building a resource recycling society. Leadership of the Prefectural Government - The Governor made a political commitment to develop Hokkaido Prefecture, placing priority on the environment. Promotion of Recycle Processing Based on the Properties of Waste - Hokkaido Prefecture has a large land area, in which waste generation conditions and the demand for recycled products differ from area to area. Moreover, waste and recycled products must be transported over relatively long distances, and so the prices of recycled products depend greatly on transportation cost as well as on recycling cost. - Consequently, in promoting waste recycling, wastes for intensive recycle processing have been separated from those to be recycled within each area. This scheme has increased the cost effectiveness of recycling. Facilitating Private-Sector Commercialization of Resource Recycling - Municipal governments supported the matching of resource recycling businesses driven by the private sector. - Private businesses and municipal governments identified problematic waste by area and assessed relevant recycling measures. Adopting and Implementing Various Approaches and Programs - Various approaches and programs have been adopted and implemented to promote the recycling industry.

22 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Publishing the 3R Handbook - The Hokkaido Prefectural Government has prepared and distributed the 3R Handbook, which provides useful information for stakeholders including residents, organizations, businesses and municipal governments, to promote 3R efforts (reduce, reuse and recycle waste) and give them opportunities to take action to reduce and recycle waste. - To prepare the handbook, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government carried out various fact-finding surveys on the waste reduction and resource recycling efforts of municipalities and recycling facilities in Hokkaido Prefecture. Promotion of Initiatives and Partnerships among the Private Sector - Unused recyclable materials are generated by people s lives and business activities. The Hokkaido Prefectural Council for Promoting the Use of Recyclable Materials was established in 2003 as an assembly of stakeholders such as generators of recyclable wastes, recyclers, experts and municipal governments, aiming at promoting recycling businesses by the private sector. The Council discusses issues concerning promoting the efficient use of unused recyclable materials and issues regarding using such materials commercially, thereby promoting concrete approaches toward building a recycling society. - Various stakeholders were involved in the establishment of the Council, including the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, the Hokkaido Prefectural Economic Federation, major firms and industry associations. - In the framework of the Council, surveys, researches and demonstration are promoted and carried out to explore sustainable, efficient and commercially-viable wastes recycling businesses, aiming to create a virtuous circle involving the environment and the economy. The Council also shares information and is building a network of waste recycling experts. - Three working groups are set up under the Council: Inorganic Recyclable Materials Working Group, Organic Recyclable Materials Working Group and Business Promotion Working Group. Furthermore, sub-working groups are set up under these working groups to assess the feasibility and viability of recycling specific industrial wastes. - The Council members include private businesses, municipal governments, universities and economic associations. Each member takes part in working groups or sub-working groups according to their respective interests. (Membership: 125, as of June 2011) - The activities of the Council are carried out on the initiative of the private sector. The theme of each sub-working group is proposed by a company with a specific business idea. (Example: recycling of coal ash, scallop shells, sulfur-solidified materials and waste gypsum products) - The Hokkaido Prefectural Economic Federation fully supports the activities of the Council. - The Council receives advice from experts of local universities, who also introduce the Council to new networks of people. - The Hokkaido Prefectural Government is coordinating overall activities, provide progress management of individual activities, closely investigate the results of activities, and support the building of networks among people. The Industrial Promotion Department of the Prefectural Government provides cooperation in business promotion. Hokkaido Prefecture Biomass Network Conference - Various biomass resources are abundantly available in Hokkaido Prefecture due to its prosperous agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries. - Biomass is a renewable organic resource of biological origin. Greater use of biomass will reduce the consumption of fossil resources and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a recycling society, develop environmental industries and revitalize local communities. - Biomass is widely distributed in various areas, so it is important to take local characteristics into consideration, such as state of biomass production, land use and types of industry. - The Hokkaido Prefecture Recycling Society Promotion Master Plan formulated in 2005 defined the promotion of biomass use as an important measure. Accordingly, the Hokkaido Prefecture Biomass Network Conference was established in 2005 to facilitate and support local efforts to use biomass and to develop a Hokkaido Prefecture-wide network of people.

23 Future prospects - The Conference publishes information on promoting the use of biomass to local people and businesses, facilitates information sharing and collaboration among municipal governments, and assesses the use of waste or unused biomass for future commercialization. Introduction of a tax system for promoting the use of recyclable waste materials (Industrial waste disposal tax system) - In 2006, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government imposed a new tax on industrial waste disposal for promoting the use of recyclable materials in order to reduce the generation and promote the recycling of industrial waste. - Industrial waste is taxed at a rate of 1000/ton when it is transported to a final disposal site. - Tax revenues are to be spent on policy approaches such as reduction of industrial waste, proper treatment/processing of industrial waste and promotion of resource recycling and are used for the following programs. Subsidy system for business establishments to install facilities and equipment for reduction and recycling of their industrial waste Subsidy system designed to support the cost of commercially-oriented research and development on industrial waste reduction and recycling Program for sending specialist advisors to small and medium-sized enterprises, etc. to support their efforts to control industrial waste generation and promote recycling Subsidy system for small and medium-sized enterprises, etc. to conduct demonstration tests and market research for commercializing the manufacture of recycled products from industrial waste Program for surveillance of improper disposal of industrial waste Subsidy system designed to support the cost of environmental safety analyses, etc. required to apply for recycled product authorization Hokkaido Prefecture Recycled Product Authorization System - The Hokkaido Prefectural Government set up a Recycled Product Authorization System, which certifies recycled products, which meet specific standards, and encourage their use, in order to facilitate the appropriate use of recyclable materials and waste reduction, promote the recycling industry in Hokkaido Prefecture, and help build a recycling society. As of March 2011, 116 products had been authorized. Hokkaido Prefecture Zero-Emission Award System - The Hokkaido Prefecture Zero-Emission Award System established in The award is offered to models of good practice in reducing waste generation/disposal by business establishments located in Hokkaido Prefecture. The purpose of the system is to raise awareness of waste reduction and promoting environmentally sound business operations among the business establishments. Awarded practices are widely announced via an award presentation ceremony and on the web pages of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. Seventy percent of all recycling facilities operate successfully. Eleven facilities have been suspended or decommissioned due to the following reasons. - They are no longer able to secure raw materials or wastes, or their recycling business is no longer profitable because wastes have moved to other recyclers who employed lower-cost recycling technologies. (9 facilities) - Their recycled products had problems concerning contents. (1 facility) - They decommissioned their facility at the end of their testing and research on recycling. (1 facility) The waste recycling rate in Hokkaido Prefecture has remained lower than the national average. Therefore, there is still an important need to reduce waste generation and improve the recycling rate in the prefecture. In 2008, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government instituted the Ordinance on Promoting the Building of a Recycling Society in Hokkaido Prefecture to help accelerate the creation of a recycling society. This ordinance defines stakeholder responsibilities, principles of approaches and prohibitions. In addition, in 2010, the Prefectural Government drew up the Hokkaido Prefecture Recycling Society Development Promotion Master Plan, which defines basic policies for approaches toward developing a recycling society and comprehensive, systemic approaches to building a recycling society.

24 To create a recycling society, the Prefectural Government will take approaches based on four principles: promote the 3R, further proper waste treatment, facilitate biomass use and promote recycling-related industries and other recycling society-oriented businesses.

25 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Kawasaki City Government International Economic Affairs Office, Economic and Labor Affairs Bureau July 1997 Revised in December 2002 Coastal area of Kawasaki City: 2,800 ha Coastal area of Kawasaki City 8 facilities Manufacturing reducing agents for blast furnaces from plastic waste - Waste plastic containers and packaging and industrial waste plastics are pelletized and processed into reducing agents for blast furnaces. Manufacturing concrete formwork panels from plastic waste - Waste plastic containers and packaging and industrial waste plastics are pelletized. The recycled pellets are used to manufacture concrete formwork panels. Manufacturing ammonia from plastic waste - Waste plastic containers and packaging and industrial waste plastics are gasified by thermal decomposition. Hydrogen contained in the gas derived from thermal decomposition is used to manufacture ammonia. Manufacturing recycled PET bottle resin from used PET bottles - Recycled PET bottle resin is manufactured from used PET bottles via processes of shredding, chemical decomposition, foreign matter removal, decoloration, refining, and polymerization. Recycling of used home appliances - Used refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners, TV sets (which are required to be collected under the Home Appliance Recycling Law in Japan), PCs, and office equipment are disassembled to recover glass, plastics, steel materials, and aluminum, as well as circuit boards and motors, etc. Recycling of Various Waste Paper Containing Foreign Matter - Various waste paper materials containing foreign matter including plastics, clips, and staples are dissolved, foreign matter and ink are removed, and then recycled toilet paper is manufactured. Using industrial waste as fuel and raw materials for manufacturing cement - Excavated soil from construction sites, sewage sludge incinerator ash, etc. are used as raw materials for manufacturing cement, while industrial waste including plastic waste and wood waste are used as fuel for the process of manufacturing cement. Using scrap stainless steel as raw materials for nonferrous metal products

26 Recycling flow in Kawasaki eco-town Background of starting eco-town program Limited waste processing capacity, yet increasing quantities of waste generated - In Kawasaki City, waste emissions were increasing year after year due to population growth and economic development, and the limit of incineration and treatment capacity had almost been reached. In 1990, Kawasaki City Government issued the Waste Emergency Declaration. - In Kawasaki City, industrial waste was generated in large amounts by major local industries including steel and chemical industries, so resource recycling was essential. - Kawasaki City needed to promote waste reduction and recycling. Needs to revitalize the local economy - Due to the economic recession, existing local industries were facing a slowdown and vast areas of coastal land were expected to be unused. - The economic recession was also expected to change the industrial structure in Japan and accelerate the relocation of industries outside Japan and industrial hollowing-out. - Therefore, the city needed to revitalize existing industries and introduce new industries. Experience of serious environmental pollution problems in the past - During Japan s high economic growth period from the 1960s to 1970s, Kawasaki City suffered serious environmental pollution problems, which increased the awareness of citizens, private companies and local government about environmental protection. Enforcement of recycling laws - Various national recycling laws such as the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law were enforced, so it was expected that large amounts of waste including waste plastics would be collected. A framework for the eco-town program created by the national government - In 1997, the framework for the eco-town program initiated by the national government was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to build a resource recycling society and achieve regional development through promotion of eco industries.

27 Basic concepts of eco-town program Local private companies take the initiative in environmentally sound business operations and contribute to preventing local and global environmental pollution. Activities by local private companies are enhanced by area-wide efforts, thereby building a sustainable society where industrial activities are in harmony with the environment. To this end, the shift to an R&D-oriented industrial structure and environmental efforts are promoted in companies production activities and the area s development, by fully utilizing the characteristics of existing industries. 1. Promoting environmentally sound operations by individual private companies at their own initiative The first step in creating an eco-town is to promote environmentally sound operations by individual private companies in the target area at their own initiative, for example, establishing environmental management systems, minimizing waste emissions and wastewater from factories, and building eco-friendly transport systems. Kawasaki City Government recognizes and publicizes excellent private companies that carry out environmentally sound operations as zero-emission model factories. 2. Promoting environmentally sound operations throughout the target area via collaboration among private companies The second step is to promote environmentally sound operations throughout the target area via collaboration among private companies that are committed to such operations. Kawasaki City Government sets environmental impact reduction targets for the entire area, and issues the area s environmental declaration. The city is also developing the Kawasaki Zero Emission Industrial Complex as a leading model of environmentally sound operations in the target area. 3. Carrying out researches to achieve environmentally sound sustainable development of the target area Researches are carried out to promote advanced sustainable development of the eco-town, including effective use of energy in the target area (e.g., cascade use of waste heat energy), developing and commercializing systems to recycle materials in the target area, promoting R&D-oriented industries, and jointly developing environmental technologies via collaboration among private companies. 4. Disseminating information on the achievements of private companies and in the target area, and making contributions in and outside Japan Kawasaki City Government actively disseminates information about the eco-town (e.g., environmental technologies and environmental performance evaluation results in Kawasaki eco-town) in addition to information about environmentally sound operations by private companies, area-wide efforts and results of researches on advanced sustainable development of the eco-town. Eco-town plan by Kawasaki City (summary in English) Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors Disseminating information on environmental technologies, etc. Kawasaki City Government disseminates information on the environmental technologies of private companies in Kawasaki eco-town, and publishes environmental performance reports and information regarding the city s environmental policies, etc. to raise the role and contribution of Kawasaki eco-town to society. Establishing an eco-town center An eco-town center was established as a venue for research, meetings, and exhibitions to (i) enable citizens to learn about local efforts and (ii) offer environmental education programs in Kawasaki City. A hub of manufacturing industries and research institutions - The coastal area of Kawasaki City is located in the center of the Keihin Industrial Zone, one of the major industrial zones in Japan, and is home to large factories in diverse industries including steelmaking, oil refining, chemicals, electric machinery, food, gas production, and thermal power generation. Meanwhile, the inland area of Kawasaki City has many research institutions of multinational corporations. - A range of production solutions and technologies of such factories and research institutions were used in promoting waste recycling. - Many factories in diverse industries in the area collaborated to consider possible combinations of production solutions and technologies for recycling waste and by-products.

28 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development A range of technologies and expertise developed in controlling environmental pollution problems - Due to environmental problems in the past, private companies had developed various technologies and expertise for controlling pollution. Leadership of the local government - Kawasaki City Government faced an urgent need to revitalize the industries in the coastal area and promote waste recycling, and so took the initiative to create and implement the eco-town program. - The eco-town program was implemented via collaboration between the city s Economic and Labor Affairs Bureau and the Environmental Bureau. Collaboration between the local government and private companies - A liaison conference between various private companies and the city government was already in place, enabling the city to gather information from various private companies. - The city government and private companies closely discussed how best to create and implement the eco-town program. - The city government appointed officials in charge of respective companies in the eco-town, and strongly supports the private companies. Establishment of the Liaison Center for Creation of Industry & Environment - In 2004, the Liaison Center for Creation of Industry & Environment was established to conduct survey and research programs as well as promotion and PR programs to facilitate collaboration among industry, academia, government, and citizens for industrial revitalization and environmental creation, and thereby contribute to revitalizing the local economy and building a city in harmony with the environment. - The center was established as an NPO, and its members are comprised of 20 private companies located in the coastal area of Kawasaki City. The activities of the center are operated at the initiative of these member companies. - Kawasaki City Government provided support to set up the center with the aim to promote collaboration and business matching among private companies. Establishment of the Kawasaki City Global Environment Knowledge Centre - In May 2008, the Kawasaki City Global Environment Knowledge Centre was established by Kawasaki City Government. This centre gathers and distributes information on Kawasaki s excellent environmental technologies, promotes joint research among industry, academia, government, and citizens by taking advantage of Kawasaki s location, and accepts training program participants from overseas. URL: Schematic diagram of the centre s activities

29 Future prospects Carbon Challenge by Kawasaki City - In response to growing concern over global warming, efforts are being made toward a sustainable low-carbon society under the slogan of Carbon Challenge Kawasaki, by promoting a virtuous cycle of environmental protection and economic development. - Products or technologies developed or manufactured in Kawasaki City for reducing CO2 emissions are widely disseminated under the Low CO2 Kawasaki Brand. - The city supports the creation of cutting-edge industries in the environment and energy sectors. - The use of renewable energy (e.g., solar and wind power) and unused energy (e.g., waste heat energy from factories) is promoted via collaboration among citizens, private companies, and local government. International contribution with environmental technologies - In collaboration with UNEP, the city promotes international contributions based on excellent environmental technologies available in the city and experience of environmental protection. - In collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment (Government of Japan), the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and UNEP, the city supports Shenyang City, China (Kawasaki s friendship city) in developing a recycling-based economy. - To promote international contributions with environmental technologies, the city works with the National Institute for Environmental Studies and other organizations to promote R&D of environmental technologies. - To promote transfer environmental technologies to other countries, the city promotes the creation, protection, and utilization of intellectual property. - To overseas countries, the city disseminates information on excellent environmental technologies and products, etc. available in and outside Japan, and promotes international contributions and industrial cooperation through the transfer of environmental technologies. References: - Zero Emissions and Eco-Town in Kawasaki, Workshop 2010 of the Asian Network for Prevention of Illegal Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, January 2010, Yokohama, Japan asaki_ecotown.pdf - Yohko Maki: Kawasaki Eco-Town, Inaugural Meeting of the Regional 3R Forum in Asia, November 2009, Tokyo, Japan - Saburo Kato: Lessons from the Kawasaki Eco-Town, Thematic Session on Environmentally Sustainable Industrial Development, the Concept of Eco-Towns in the Asia Pacific Region, 1 November 2006, Singapore - Takekazu Inoue: "Environment Technology Transferred from Kawasaki City to the World", Penang Eco-town Workshop, 7 December 2011, Penang, Malaysia

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31 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Kitakyushu City Government Office for Environmental Future City Promotion, Environment Bureau July 1997 Revised: September 2002 and October 2004 Whole area of Kitakyushu City: km 2 Kitakyushu Environmental Industrial Complex: 25 ha Hibiki Recycling Complex: 5.9 ha Practical Research District: 7.9 ha Hibiki-nada Eastern District (2002 ) Other city areas (2004 ) Kitakyushu Environmental Industrial Complex - Processes waste PET bottles into recycled PET pellets or flakes. - Recycles used home appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners and TV sets). - Recycles used office machines (copying machines, facsimiles, printers, PCs, etc.). - Recovers auto-parts, steel and other materials from used automobiles. - Crushes used fluorescent lamps into cullet and recovers metal materials, mercury and phosphor. - Crushes medical waste equipment and supplies, sterilizes them by microwave radiation, and recovers fibers, glass, metal and plastics. Processes fibers into a refuse derived fuel (RDF) and sells it to cement plants. Also sells glass and metal to cement plants as raw materials. Plastics are sold as a raw material for plastic products. - Recovers various materials from waste from construction sites, waste plastics and waste plaster boards. - Recovers various non-ferrous metals into different material types from radiators, printed circuit boards and insulated copper wires obtained during the recycling of used home appliances and automobiles. - Recovers slag and metal (copper raw material) by melting recycling residues, automobile shredder residues and other such industrial waste from eco-town recycling facilities. Moreover, the heat generated from the melting process is used as a power source, and the generated electricity is supplied to recycling facilities in the eco-town. Hibiki Recycling Complex - Distills waste cleaning solutions and organic solvents to produce high-purity recycled solutions and solvents. - Liquefies waste plastics (PP/PE/PS) to recover recycled diesel oil. - Produces a bio diesel fuel, raw materials for cattle feed, coating material, materials for chemicals/cosmetics, and soap materials from waste cooking oil. - Processes waste paper into bedding for farm animals. - Processes metal waste cans into steel or aluminum pellets which it sells as a metal raw material. - Recovers auto-parts, steel and other materials from used automobiles. Hibiki-nada Eastern District - Produces building materials (floor material, handrails, benches, decks, etc.) from waste wood and plastics. - Recovers parts, metals and wood materials from gaming machines (pachinko and pachislot machines). - Sorts and separates used beverage containers to recover recyclable materials into different material types. - Dismantles used vending machines to recover recyclable materials into different material types. Practical Research District - Composts food residues from food and other industries, and sells the compost to farmers. Purchases vegetables grown on compost from farmers and sells them to food industries. - Processes used expanded polystyrene (EPS) into EPS granules and pellets. Sells them as raw materials for lightweight concrete, lightweight soil and plastic products.

32 Other areas - Manufactures toilet paper from various types of waste paper. - Produces a foaming slag inhibitor for steelmaking by drying and pelletizing paper sludge from the waste paper recycling process. - Promotes the reuse of office equipment. - Recovers metal raw materials such as zinc, lead and copper from fly ash from waste melting systems. Research Facilities in Practical Research District - AIG Collaborative Research Institute for Resource Recycling and Environmental Pollution Control, Fukuoka University - Kitakyushu Environmental Engineering Center, Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd. - Eco-Town Collaborative R&D Center for the Environment and Recycling, Kyushu Institute of Technology - Hibiki Laboratory, Environmental Technology Service Co., Ltd. - Waste Research Institute, Kitakyushu Eco-Town Center Many other practical recycling research facilities are located in the Practical Research District. Background of starting eco-town program Use of existing reclaimed land - In the coastal area of Kitakyushu, a huge 2000 ha area of reclaimed land had been developed as an industrial site. However, it remained idle, so the challenge was how to use it efficiently. Shortage of Waste disposal sites - Kitakyushu was facing shortage of waste disposal sites for industrial waste, and it was difficult to find a new disposal site due to objections from city residents. Therefore, it was necessary to promote waste recycling to reduce the amount of waste disposal. Needs for revitalizing the local economy - In Kitakyushu, existing local heavy industries were on the decline due to economic recession, so it was needed to revitalize the local economy by promoting industry. Wealth of environmental technologies owned by local industries - Kitakyushu had a cluster of major Japanese steel, chemical, cement and other manufacturers, which had a wealth of various industrial technologies. - In the 1960s, Kitakyushu suffered serious industrial pollution problems. To overcome the problems, local industries built a wealth of techniques and expertise through various efforts to control pollution and improve the environment. - Recycling businesses were created by utilizing these existing industrial and pollution control technologies owned by local industries. Existing ideas to develop environmental industries - In 1989, an industry-academia-government study group was formed to assess how to use the reclaimed land in the coastal area. The group investigated possible uses of the reclaimed land from various perspectives and drew up a plan to operate novel environmental and recycling industries on the reclaimed land by optimally using the wealth of environmental technologies and expertise of the local businesses. Enforcement of recycling laws - Since various national recycling laws were to be enforced, it was expected that a huge amount of recyclable waste would be collected. Development of eco-town program scheme by national government - In 1997, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment established a national eco-town program scheme in order to create a resource recycling society and achieve regional development by promoting environmental industries.

33 Basic concepts of eco-town program Programs for promoting eco-town development The Kitakyushu City Government operates the Kitakyushu Eco-Town Program as the city s original development policy that integrates environmental protection and industrial promotion. In doing so, the city government actively uses the solid industrial skills of the steel, chemical, cement and other industries as well as human resources, technologies, expertise and the like developed during the process of fighting pollution, with the aim of creating a resource recycling society. The eco-town program implements integrated programs spanning education, basic research, technological/practical research, and commercialization in the environmental field in collaboration with the neighboring Kitakyushu Science and Research Park. Features of Kitakyushu Eco-Town Program 1) Strong industry-academia-government collaborations for implementing programs 2) Access to existing nearby industrial cluster and Science and Research Park 3) Availability of huge areas of low-cost land 4) Area-wide waste collection and recycling 5) Safe and reliable waste processing ensured by collaboration or use by businesses and recycling residue treatment facilities in the eco-town, recycling industries in the city, environmental industry complex and nearby controlled waste disposal site 6) Disclosing of public information and establishing two-way communications with citizens 7) Facilitating formalities by setting up a unified contact office at the city government 8) The city government operates its own subsidy system to support businesses looking for a location. 9) The city government lends assistance to provide sufficient wastes, or raw materials, and to use the recycled products. 10) The city government s own subsidy system assists businesses conducting practical research, social systems research and feasibility studies in the environmental field. Eco-Premium industry creation program (eco-product and eco-service recognition) Eco-Premium products, technologies and industrial activities have been selected each year since 2004 among products that are designed for low environmental impact as a new value, to promote environment-friendly business activities. The Kitakyushu City Government helps to advertise the selected products and services. Eco-Techno (trade fair of environmental technologies and products) An environmental business trade fair, one of the largest in western Japan, has been held annually since This trade fair includes exhibitions and workshops on environmental policies and programs of the national government and the Kitakyushu City Government and environmental technologies, products and initiatives of businesses, NPOs and environmental organizations. The fair is also an advertising opportunity for Eco-Premium products and services. Subsidy system for developing future environmental technologies This system subsidizes practical research, social systems research and feasibility studies on highly innovative, distinctive and practical environmental technologies, to assist technology development by small and medium-sized businesses and accumulate many environmental technologies in Kitakyushu. - Practical research: Research and development of waste treatment/recycling, environmental protection, environment-friendly product development, new energy/energy-saving and other similar technologies fall in this category. - Social systems research: This category covers research and development of social and economic systems designed for creating a low-carbon society and recycling-oriented economy, including material supply and goods distribution systems critical for developing environmental industries. - Feasibility study: In this category, preliminary technical, marketability and economic viability surveys and research are subsidized. Promotion of integrated resource recycling incorporating the transfer of wastes and by-products among recycling facilities located in the eco-town Welcoming visitors to the eco-town to help them understand it

34 Major success factors Use of wealth of technologies owned by local businesses - When developing recycling businesses, it was possible to use the wealth of industrial and environmental technologies owned by local businesses. Efficient use of existing reclaimed land - In the coastal area of Kitakyushu, a huge 2000 ha area of reclaimed land had been developed. The reclaimed land was useful for recycling businesses since it was close to the existing industrial cluster. Strong Leaderships in the city government, academia and industry - In the Kitakyushu City Government, the Mayor at the time showed strong leadership in promoting environmental industries and developing small and medium-sized businesses. - The executives of local universities showed strong leadership in facilitating collaboration among industry, government and academia for promoting environmental and recycling industries. - Top managers of major local companies took the lead in commercializing environmental and recycling industries and transferring environmental technologies to overseas countries. High level of citizens environmental awareness and Dialogue mechanism between the city government and citizens - Kitakyushu had once experienced serious pollution problems. Therefore, the citizens were highly aware of environmental issues. - Through the process of overcoming pollution problems, a dialogue mechanism was built between the city government and citizens. This mechanism enabled the city government and citizens to mutually propose and discuss policy approaches to protecting the environment and promoting recycling. - The Kitakyushu City Government obliged recyclers located in the eco-town to make their recycling facilities open to the public and willingly accept site visits, in order to disclose information to citizens and raise their environmental awareness. This approach helped citizens to understand recycling. - These measures have encouraged citizens to understand and accept the eco-town program. - These approaches have effectively gained citizens cooperation in sorted and separate collection of wastes for recycling, as in demonstration tests of collecting small electronic equipment and household waste cooking oil, which began in City government s support for recyclers - To ensure profitability for recyclers participating in the eco-town program, the Kitakyushu City Government subsidized them to carry out surveys and research for securing the procurement of recyclable waste materials and the markets for recycled products. - The Kitakyushu City Government has assigned staff in charge of recyclers to meet their needs concerning formalities and discussions, to provide full support for recyclers located in the eco-town. - It is not always easy for recyclers to allow site visits to their recycling facilities. A scheme has been created to assist them by providing a unified contact for site visits, planning site visit tours for visiting several recycling facilities and offering briefings before visiting individual facilities.

35 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Environmental Industry Promotion Council - To promote the eco-town program, the Kitakyushu Environmental Industry Promotion Council was established in 1997 consisting of representatives of industry, academia and the city government, and chaired by the Mayor of Kitakyushu. The Council sets the main direction for promoting environmental industries in Kitakyushu. Environmental Business Consortium for Sustainable Development - The Kitakyushu Interdependent Business Consortium for Sustainable Development was established in 1998 to develop business networks, enable environmental industries in the Kitakyushu area to have advanced technologies, and strategically create innovative environmental/recycling businesses by flexibly combining environmental hard and soft technologies of business companies and individuals in the Kitakyushu area. Consortium members are companies that are exploring the launch of new environmental business based in the Kitakyushu area. The Kitakyushu City Government is involved in the consortium as its secretariat. - The Consortium s activities include the collection, provision and exchange of technical and market information principally of environmental and recycling businesses; project planning and production; site visits; industry-academia exchanges; and public relations. The Consortium also acts as an incubator for the members, and helps them conduct international environmental business. Kitakyushu Science and Research Park - The Kitakyushu Science and Research Park was founded in 2001 as a unique approach in Kitakyushu to gather national, prefectural, municipal and private colleges and graduate schools in science and engineering, research institutions and corporate research departments on a single campus. - With the objectives of becoming a core academic research center in Asia, creating new industries and improving technologies on the two themes of environment and information, the Science and Research Park carries out various research and development programs in collaboration with individual institutions and trains future leaders. Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology - The Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology was established in 2001 to promote research and development programs and academic research through collaboration among industry, academia and government in Kitakyushu area, aiming at contributing to the advancement of industrial technologies and the creation and development of active local business clusters. - The Foundation coordinates collaboration among universities, research institutes and industries in Kitakyushu City, primarily in the Kitakyushu Science and Research Park, and also provides general assistance to small, medium-sized and venture businesses. Support for building environmental management systems and obtaining certification (Eco-Action 21) - To encourage businesses to conduct environment-friendly operations, the Kitakyushu City Government in cooperation with the Small Business Support Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Small Business Associations, and other organizations provides support, such as lectures and workshops, for small and medium-sized businesses in Kitakyushu to develop environmental management systems and obtain certification (Eco-Action 21).

36 Future prospects - Since the start of the eco-town program in 1997, recycling businesses have increased in number and created some 1300 jobs in 13 years. - Competition has become intense in the recycling industry, making it necessary to develop distinctive advanced technologies and recycle wastes into resources and materials of high economic value. - The Kitakyushu City Government operates the Kitakyushu 3R Technology Enhancement Study Group in cooperation with the Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology for the incubation of 3R (reuse, reduce and recycle) technology to create new environmental industries. This study group has set up study subcommittees jointly with local businesses and colleges to research marketability and technical information and to conduct studies and information exchange for commercialization in promising engineering fields. - In 2008, Kitakyushu was designated as an eco-model city by the national government. Following the designation, the five-year program Eco-Model City Kitakyushu Action Plan running from 2009 was formulated to create a low-carbon society. The Eco-Model City Kitakyushu Regional Promotion Council was founded in 2008 to promote the plan. The Council consists of members from industry, academia, government and local communities. - In 2010, the Kitakyushu Environmental Industry Promotion Council was formed as a lower organizational unit of the Eco-Model City Kitakyushu Regional Promotion Council to provide opportunities for environmental industries that contribute to a low-carbon society to create a network, and to conceive and take collaborative actions for promoting environmental industries. The Environmental Industry Promotion Council has five subcommittees: (1) Environmental Business, (2) Industrial Energy, (3) New Eco-Town, (4) Environmental Management, and (5) Financial, in order to conduct various activities such as creation of advanced environmental businesses, local energy recycling, improvement of the level of recycling industries and implementation of environmental management. Based on the work of these subcommittees, general management policies, action policies and concrete actions are discussed so that industry, academia and city government can jointly help create a low-carbon society. - In 2010, the Kitakyushu Asian Center for a Low-Carbon Society opened in Kitakyushu. The Center aims to spread efforts to create a low-carbon society throughout Asia, as set out in the Eco-Model City Kitakyushu Action Plan. The Center helps transfer the wealth of local businesses environmental technologies from Kitakyushu to cities in Asia in a commercially viable manner, using the networks among them. It also undertakes human resource development and conducts surveys and research specializing in Asia to help create a low-carbon society in Asia. - The Kitakyushu City Government is actively supporting Kitakyushu-based businesses with advanced technologies to conduct environmental business in the rapidly growing Asian economies. Specifically, the city government will provide environmental business information acquired through past cooperation projects and business feasibility studies. It also provides assistance with dispatching business delegations and participating in environmental technology exhibitions.

37 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Sapporo City Government Planning Section, Environmental Planning & Waste Management Department, Environmental Bureau September 1998 Sapporo Recycling Complex: 0.23 km 2 Sapporo Recycling Complex Waste processing facilities in the Sapporo Recycling Complex: 13 facilities - Separating plastics Separating and compressing recyclable plastics from waste plastic containers and packaging that are sorted and collected from households - Separating mixed waste paper Separating and compressing recyclable waste paper derived from mixed waste paper that is sorted and collected from households - Separating glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles Separating, categorizing, and compressing recyclable glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles from sorted and collected glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles - Turning PET bottles into flakes Processing recyclable PET bottles from those that have been sorted and collected into PET flakes - Recycling PET flakes Manufacturing PET sheets from PET flakes - Recycling waste concrete Shredding waste concrete and removing metals to recycle the materials into construction materials - Recycling food waste Recycling food waste generated from schools, hotels, restaurants, food factories, etc. into cattle feed by heating and drying the food waste using waste cooking oil - Recycling scrap tires Chopping up and processing scrap tires into fuel and raw materials for cement kilns - Recycling waste oil Manufacturing recycled oil equivalent to Heavy Oil A by humidifying and distilling waste engine oil generated from gas stations and vehicle maintenance and repair shops - Organic sludge processing Drying organic sludge from food factories, etc. with steam via indirect heating to reduce its volume - Inorganic sludge processing Compressing and dehydrating inorganic sludge generated from construction works, etc. to reduce its volume - Recycling inorganic sludge Recycling inorganic sludge into road base materials, etc. by cement stabilization - Incineration of specific industrial wastes Incinerating waste plastics, construction scrap materials, waste oil, waste fluids, etc. generated from construction sites and factories, etc.

38 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Shortage of waste disposal sites - In Sapporo City, the volume of waste generated has continued to increase in line with population growth. In around 1990, a shortage of waste disposal sites became a serious problem for the city, while the processing of industrial waste transported from other municipalities antagonized those living near waste disposal sites. Environmental policy set by the City of Sapporo - The basic environment ordinance of the City of Sapporo (enacted in 1995) provided for progress in the cyclical use of resources and waste reduction as a basic policy of environmental conservation. - The Sapporo City Environmental Master Plan formulated in 1998 provided for achievement of a recycling-oriented city and achievement of a participation- and cooperation-based city as Sapporo s vision toward an eco-conscious city. Revision of the Sapporo City Municipal Solid Waste Management Master Plan - In Japan, the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law (national law) requires local governments to formulate basic plans for processing municipal solid waste. In 1999, the City of Sapporo started to revise its basic plan. - In revising the basic plan, the city reviewed (i) promotion of efforts to curb and reduce waste generation and recycle waste and (ii) a new community based system and approach. Availability of a site for waste recycling facilities - The construction of new waste recycling facilities often faces difficulties due to opposition from residents as well as legal restrictions. - In 1993, Sapporo City Government decided to build a recycling complex so that waste recycling facilities can be located close to one another on a single site. In the city development plan, the city designated a site for the complex, and then developed the site between 1994 and Enactment of a recycling law (national law) - In 1995, the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law (national law) was enacted, partially enforced in three phases (in 1995, 1996, and 1997), and fully enforced in The law covered glass bottles and PET bottles from 1997, and was scheduled to cover paper/plastic containers and packaging from Under the law, the City of Sapporo decided to sort and collect plastic containers and packaging as well as PET bottles. However, it was necessary to improve facilities for recycling the materials. A framework for the eco-town program created by the national government - In 1997, the framework for the eco-town program initiated by the national government was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to grant national government subsidies to local governments for carrying out recycling efforts. To embody the vision of community building in harmony with the environment, based on zero emissions - Efforts are being made to build a resource recycling society toward zero emissions within the region, and to revitalize the economy by attracting environmental industries, etc. - Various recycling processes, which are the cornerstone of the eco-town plan, are carried out in the Sapporo Recycling Complex (an industrial complex dedicated for recycling businesses). - The eco-town program is expected to facilitate the flow of waste processing and promote resource recycling. Meanwhile, efforts to achieve zero emissions are expected to extend the service life of landfill sites and help reduce the amount of waste to be incinerated, thus reducing environmental impact. - A network will be built for providing information on waste reduction and recycling, to raise citizens awareness and encourage their active participation in building a recycling society.

39 Initial conceptual diagram of waste recycling in the eco-town plan Programs for promoting eco-town development Major success factors Public relations programs for promoting sorting and collection - Various public relations programs are organized to encourage citizens to sort waste, raise their awareness of recycling, and promote understanding and active participation in building a resource recycling society. A program for producing community leaders who promote environmental cleanup campaigns - This program is intended to support community leaders in conducting environmental cleanup activities and to build a framework that enables community residents to work together, in order to promote environmental cleanup as well as waste reduction and recycling. Building the Sapporo waste information network - A waste information network is being built for (i) providing information to citizens who work on waste reduction and recycling and (ii) publicizing unique activities in schools, workplaces and communities. Availability of recyclable waste - Sapporo City has a large population (about 1.9 million as of 2011), and large amounts of recyclable waste are generated. Leadership taken by the local government, and cooperation from residents, in sorting and collecting waste - For years, Sapporo City Government has worked actively on the sorting and collection of waste. The city started to lend empty bottle collection boxes in 1988, started installing empty can collection boxes at supermarkets and elementary schools, etc. in 1991, and began sorting and collecting glass bottles, cans, and PET bottles in With these efforts by Sapporo City Government, the sorting and collection of waste by residents was already well under way. Availability of a site for waste recycling facilities - The Sapporo Recycling Complex (which was already in place) facilitated the construction of waste recycling facilities by recyclers.

40 Unique efforts and initiatives for eco-town development Future prospects Support for private companies to locate in the recycling complex - Land lots in the Sapporo Recycling Complex were leased, not sold, to reduce the initial investment required by recyclers to establish new waste recycling facilities. - Note that the recycling complex requires recyclers to conduct environmental impact assessments and comply with ambient environmental standards equivalent to those in urbanized areas. Use of recycled products by local government - Recycled fuel from waste plastics (manufactured by recyclers) was used at sludge incinerators in the city s public sewage treatment plant. Raising citizens awareness and distributing information Sapporo City Government is carrying out the following programs to raise citizens awareness and disseminate information: (1) Public relations programs for promoting the sorting and collection of waste - Distributing pamphlets to all households describing sorting methods and precautions in waste sorting and collection - Distributing leaflets at events organized by the city and residents festivals in respective wards, etc. - Displaying the slogan and logo for promoting sorting and collection on waste collection vehicles and uniforms worn by waste collection staff (2) Program for training community leaders who promote environmental cleanup campaigns - Sapporo City Government supports activities of Clean Sapporo Sanitation Promoters (leaders of community residents) to promote environmental cleanup, waste reduction, and recycling. The city also organizes programs in cooperation with the promoters (about 3,000 individuals as of today). (3) Building the Sapporo waste information network - A recycling plaza was set up to serve as (i) a venue for exhibitions on waste reduction, sorting, and recycling, (ii) a center for distributing information to citizens, (iii) a center of recycling activities by citizens, and (iv) a market for exchanging unwanted items including furniture. (4) Other activities - Waste plastics and glass bottles/cans/pet bottles are collected from households on different dates to encourage residents to sort waste carefully. - Patrol teams of city officials were set up to offer guidance and instructions to residents about sorting waste. - The goals are to accelerate efforts to curb waste generation and emissions and establish a framework for waste collection and processing to create a resource recycling society with low environmental impact. - Affected by economic cycles, recyclers face the challenge of stabilizing their businesses.

41 Name of local government Department in charge of eco-town program Approval of eco-town program Target area of eco-town program Location of waste recycling facilities Waste recycling facilities Toyama City Government Waste Management Group, Environment Policy Department, Environment Division May 2002 (partially revised in November 2004 and September 2005) Whole area of Toyama City: 1,241 km 2 Toyama City Eco-Town Industrial Park: 18 ha 8 facilities (as of December 2010) - Recycling waste plastics Recovering plastic raw materials (PP/PE/PS pellets, PP/PE flakes) from plastic waste - Recycling waste wood Manufacturing charcoal boards and charcoal for various applications from (i) wood waste from demolished residential houses, (ii) wood waste from industries, (iii) driftwood in dams, (iv) forest thinnings, and (v) pruned branches - Recycling food waste and pruned branches Recovering biogas and producing compost from food waste (generated from retailers and food-service industries) and organic waste (generated from food manufacturing industries) - Recycling used automobiles Disassembling used automobiles and removing auto-parts to ensure sorted recovery, such as steel materials, aluminum materials, other non-ferrous metals, plastic materials, glass materials, fabric, seat materials, urethane, tires, oil, and fuel - Recycling mixed textile waste and mixed plastic waste Manufacturing refuse derived fuel (RDF) from mixed textile waste, waste plastics, paper waste, woodchips, and their mixed waste - Recycling waste synthetic rubber Manufacturing rubber chips (to be used as fuel) from waste synthetic rubber and waste tires - Recycling waste cooking oil Manufacturing biodiesel fuel (BDF) from waste cooking oil - Waste Energy Center Incinerating industrial waste and residue from recycling processes that are difficult to recycle, and generating electricity from waste heat Waste recycling facilities under the Toyama City eco-town program

42 Background of starting eco-town program Basic concepts of eco-town program Shortage of waste disposal sites - Toyama City faced a serious shortage of waste disposal sites and it was difficult to secure new sites. The city therefore needed to improve its recycling to reduce waste incineration and landfill waste. Expected demand for recycled products - The Toyama region is home to many material industries including plastics processing, petroleum-related, and aluminum manufacturing companies, so there was expected to be high demand for recycled products as raw materials for these industries. - Agriculture is a major industry in Toyama Prefecture, which made it possible to promote recycling of agriculture-related resources (including recycling of agricultural materials). - Because the region has a cold and damp climate, there was expected to be high demand for recycled charcoal for heating and controlling humidity, etc. A framework for the eco-town program created by the national government - In 1997, the framework for the eco-town program initiated by the national government was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to grant national government subsidies to local governments for carrying out recycling efforts. To help establish resource recycling facilities while giving priority to recycling in the region, and thereby achieve Toyama, a city friendly to people and the environment (1) Promoting an initiative that gives priority to recycling in the region The Toyama City eco-town program is intended to secure users of recycled products