is a new segregation classification, “compact appliance” on collection boxes at stations. Proper collection methods based on regional characteristics such as size of population are sought by collecting compact appliances with various collection methods in each region.

(7) Efforts coupled to local revitalization and improved local finances

○ Trying to reduce combustible wastes by one-third (Chiba City) (Figure 1-15)

Chiba City tries to reduce combustible wastes by one-third (100,000 tons) by advancing efforts for 3Rs and aims to reduce the number of waste disposal factories from 3 to 2 by closing down one aging disposal factory. With the achievement of this goal, Chiba City says that 1) cost of constructing a new waste disposal factory (about 18.2 billion yen) and its maintenance cost (about 640 million yen a year) can be saved, 2) greenhouse gas emissions generated by waste incineration can be controlled and 3) lifetime of the final disposal site can be extended. To that end, waste segregation classes have been launched in all municipal elementary schools aimed at promotion of separating waste paper, etc. and efforts for a model project of sorted collection and biogassification of raw garbage have been advanced.

☐ Yokohama G30 (Yokohama City)

Yokohama City has dealt with mainly segregation and recycling of wastes to achieve the goal of “Yokohama G30 Plan” which reduces waste generation $ ^{*} $ in the city in fiscal 2010 by 30% (upwardly revised to 35% in fiscal 2006) compared to that in fiscal 2001. As a result, the waste generation $ ^{*} $ in fiscal 2009 was reduced by about 42% compared to that in fiscal 2001, and two out of seven waste disposal factories were closed and one was made as a backup. As well as these efforts, Yokohama City will change residents' lifestyle to “no waste, no carried-in waste” and deal with waste generation control in the future.

Waste generation: Volume of wastes except recyclable ones

Figure 1-15 Trying to reduce combustible wastes by one-third (Chiba City)

## 4 Accessible circulation activities

Although there are excellent efforts described above, it is also true that there are issues on costs, infrastructures, etc. to improve the quality of efforts for a sound material-cycle society.

In order to settle efforts toward establishing a sound material-cycle society including new efforts launched in various regions, it is required that each and every individual understands, participates and acts in each position. However, according to a public opinion poll conducted by the Cabinet Office in June 2009, 92.4% of respondents are interested in waste problems but they are not so interested in concrete practices (Figure 1-16 and 1-17).

Here, examples of accessible activities toward establishing a sound material-cycle society in daily life and the possibility of the effect are verified. Individual simple action has a significant meaning for the establishment of a sound material-cycle society.

(1) Waste generation reduction effect by providing information to consumers, etc.

The Ministry of the Environment carried out experiments on what effect is given to consumers' 3Rs activities by providing information on waste generation situation, etc. with help from enterprises, etc.

In a case that information on reduced waste paper generation and segregation method for miscellaneous paper as well as facts, e.g., the situations of waste paper generation and mixed miscellaneous paper, was provided to employees for the purpose of reducing waste paper generation and promoting the segregation of miscellaneous paper in the workplace, the waste paper generation decreased by half and the volume of segregated miscellaneous paper doubled compared to that before providing information. According to follow-up questionnaire targeting the employees, they were aware that it was a relatively major factor in the increase in the volume of segregated miscellaneous paper to know the fact that miscellaneous paper is mixed in combustible wastes. Therefore, it would appear that it was effective in promoting the segregation of miscellaneous paper to provide information on facts (Figure 1-18).

In another case that a poster showing how to dispose of plastic bottles properly was displayed and information on the current disposal situation of plastic bottles was provided to the employees everyday (visualization) aimed at the promotion of properly disposing of plastic bottles in the workplace (removal of caps and labels, rinse of the inside and crush are proper disposal at the tested region), the proper disposal increased by about 62% after displaying the poster and increased by about 76% after providing information (visualization) (Figure 1-19).

## (2) Container/Package weight reduction effect by purchasing refills

The weight of containers/packages can be drastically reduced by using refills compared to bottles, etc. Therefore, the more the sales rate of refills increases, the less the materials are used for containers. Figure 1-20 (1) and (2) show the study results, i.e., the sales rate of shampoo/rinse refills