The Shibuya Incineration Plant

During our field trip last week, we had the opportunity to visit an incineration plant located right in the heart of lively Shibuya. It was definitely an eye-opener as we toured the facilities to gain a better understanding of the processes of garbage incineration in Japan.

The Clean Association of TOKYO 23 is a special local government that was established in 2000 to jointly collaborate efforts in waste processing operations in each of these 23 cities. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is in charge of managing landfill disposal sites.

This is the platform whereby garbage trucks first enter and are weighed on an automated scale before being dumped into the bunker.

This waste bunker can retain waste for up to 4 days.

The waste crane automatically mixes up the rubbish to allow for an even load for burning. It is then released into the waste hopper, which enters the fluidized bed incinerator.

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Processes aside, what impresses me the most is Japan's sincere effort in creating a sustainable society. They deeply recognize how their actions affect the environment around them and are willing to invest in the technology, time and effort to better their waste incineration methods. The staff there were proud to inform us that combustible waste can be shrunk to about 1/20 in volume, heat from incineration can be recycled and incombustible waste can be pulverized before landfill etc.

It seems to me that the entire cycle is complete. From the point where garbage is first produced by us consumers, Japanese will be expected to categorize their rubbish according to combustibles, incombustibles and pet bottles. It was a bit awkward for me at first to follow this 'rule', but gradually it's becoming a habit to think of whether I just threw paper or plastic away in the bin.

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On another note, I have been jointly nominated to be the Student & Public Relations Head of the International Student Council of GRIPS with another Thailand guy Wong. It was my first time running for elections yesterday... ;)

It is going to be an active year ahead!