Dispose of bulky waste before leaving a Tokyo apartment

Before disposing of a large item, check whether it belongs to you or the furnished apartment. Ask the company you're renting from about anything supplied with the unit, even if it seems broken.

For something you bought, first check whether the ward will collect it. If it will, book the collection and agree where to put it with the building manager.

Identify 粗大ごみ before booking

粗大ごみ (sodai gomi) means bulky household waste. You must book its collection and pay a fee; it cannot go out with ordinary burnable or non-burnable rubbish.

Shibuya's bulky-waste page defines it as household waste with a side longer than 30 cm. For example, a stool measuring 40 × 25 × 25 cm crosses that limit because one side is 40 cm; all three sides do not need to exceed 30 cm. Other wards set their own definitions and fees. Use the page for the apartment's ward, not a guide for the ward where you work.

Measure the item and photograph it, then give the reception centre its name and dimensions. The material and type of appliance matter too, so check that it is accepted before booking.

Then ask the company you're renting from:

I bought this chair during my stay. It is not part of the apartment inventory. May I arrange ward bulky-waste collection from the building? If yes, where may I place it on collection morning?

Reserve before buying the sticker

Shibuya's current English waste page requires an advance reservation through the Large-Sized Waste Reception Center. The reservation gives the collection date and fee.

Book online or call the number on the ward’s website. Give the apartment address, item name and dimensions, since the fee can change with size. Wait for that fee before buying the disposal sticker.

Collection slots can fall after checkout. Start before the final week. If the available date is too late, ask the company you're renting from whether it can recommend an approved private collection service or another permitted way to dispose of it. Do not move the item to the regular rubbish point.

Buy and label the disposal sticker

If you are paying with a disposal sticker, buy one for the amount stated in your reservation at an authorised convenience store or another seller listed by the ward. Write the required name or reservation number on it and attach it where collection staff can easily see it. Keep the confirmation and a photograph of the sticker.

Shibuya also accepts online payment for bookings made through its website or LINE. If you pay that way, write the collection date and your name or application number on paper, then securely attach a label to each item where the collectors can see it. Follow the payment and labelling instructions in your confirmation.

Put the item in the agreed collection spot

Keep the item in your apartment until the agreed collection time; the reservation doesn’t let you leave it in a shared corridor or lobby.

In Shibuya apartment buildings, put bulky waste outside at ground level near the road by 8:00 on collection morning. The collectors do not enter the building or collect these items from the normal rubbish collection point.

Ask the company you're renting from or the building manager to show you exactly where to put it. Keep fire doors, paths, and entrances clear.

Put the item out at the time specified by your ward, and follow any additional building rules. Don't leave it overnight if the ward requires collection-morning placement, even if the building manager agrees.

Arrange appliance recycling separately

In Shibuya, air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dryers cannot be collected as ordinary bulky waste. For these appliances, contact a retailer or use the home-appliance recycling service listed by the ward. For a computer, contact its manufacturer about recycling.

Do not break an appliance into smaller pieces to change its category. Do not remove an apartment-owned appliance.

For batteries, gas cylinders, chemicals and other hazardous items, check the ward's disposal instructions for the specific item. They may need different collection services or preparation.

If collection fails

If the item remains after the stated window, photograph it and contact the reception center or collection company. Have the reservation and sticker details ready so they can check what went wrong. Keep it away from the ordinary rubbish area and other buildings’ collection points.

If you missed collection, arrange a new date and ask the building manager where to keep the item until then. Bring it back inside only if it’s safe and permitted. If collection will now be after checkout, agree who will put it out before you leave and save that arrangement with the new reservation.