What if waste wasn’t a problem, but an opportunity? Can you imagine a town where waste doesn’t pile up? Nestled in the quiet mountains of Shikaou Island, Japan’s town of Kamikatsu with a community of 1500 residents, has achieved the seemingly impossible: a zero-waste lifestyle, inspiring the world to rethink sustainability. The town has proven that even small communities can make a big impact when it comes to zero-waste. Now, imagine the towering mountains of waste in India’s landfills that stretch as far as the eyes can see, where 62 million tonnes of trash is generated every year and only 12 million tonnes are treated. India, with its vast urban landscapes and significant waste challenges, has immense potential to draw lessons from examples such as Kamikatsu.
The Birth of a Zero-Waste Vision
Zero-waste is not just a practical approach- it’s a transformative way of thinking. Kamikatsu’s journey towards zero-waste started more than two decades ago. Before World War II, Kamikatsu lived in harmony with nature, relying on materials like wood and bamboo that left little to no waste behind. However, post World War II, industrialisation brought synthetic plastics and rising non-biodegradable waste. In 1991, in an effort to decentralise waste management, composting at home was encouraged through subsidies offered for compost bins. Subsequent to this, in 1994, the town formulated a recycling plan to reduce waste. This was followed by a waste collection centre in 1997, and an Act that mandated waste segregation into nine categories. Until 1997, the town had resorted to open burning, filling the air with black smoke and foul odours. Faced with health and ecological risks, it became clear that change was necessary. In 1998, the town replaced open-air burning with small incinerators. However, these were soon deemed environmentally unsustainable. By 2001, the town closed the incinerators and introduced a ‘Separate at Source’ system with 35 waste categories at the local waste collection centre.
Figure 1: Roadmap towards zero-waste | CAG
Kamikatsu was the first municipality in Japan to declare a zero-waste policy in 2003, inspired by a lecture from American chemist Dr. Paul Connett, an advocate for zero-waste. This declaration formalised the towns' commitment to minimising waste through extensive recycling and reuse initiatives. In 2005, Zero Waste Academy was launched, led by Akira Sakano, and served as an educational hub to spread awareness of sustainable living. The Academy operates under four Ls- Local, Low cost, Low impact, and Low tech. There is no waste collection system in the town. The residents themselves drop the segregated waste at the waste collection centre. A “Kurukuru Shop” was also launched in 2006. ‘Kurukuru’ means circular in Japanese. This community-driven initiative allows residents to exchange used items, emphasising reuse over recycling, with almost 80-90% of materials donated to the shop being reused.
In 2017, waste reduction and resource recovery were prioritised, with a zero-waste certification introduced for businesses. The town established the Zero Waste Centre, known as “WHY,” serving as a hub for waste collection, education, and community engagement. The centre features a waste collection area where residents meticulously sort waste into 45 categories and includes a hotel offering guests hands-on zero-waste experiences. Through several community-driven initiatives, Kamikatsu achieved a recycling rate exceeding 80%, significantly higher than Japan’s national average of 20%. The town has adopted a new zero-waste declaration for 2030 with a key goal: "Cultivating people who can think about and act on the environment in which our children will live as their own. "
Figure 2: Zero waste centre | Source: Zero Waste Town Kamikatsu
Challenges
The transition to zero-waste has not been without its challenges. The sorting system initially faced resistance, as many residents found it time-consuming. However, through persistent education and community engagement, the town gradually embraced the changes. Today, residents take pride in their role as environmental stewards. While the town’s 80% recycling rate is laudable, the town government realises that consumer efforts alone won’t be sufficient to address the remaining 20% and has declared a zero-waste plan for the next 10 years with an objective of establishing a circular economy through collaborations with businesses and research organisations.
Key Lessons for India
India, with its vast population and diverse socio-economic landscape, faces unique waste management challenges. However, Kamikatsu’s journey offers valuable lessons that can be adapted to the Indian context:
- Community Engagement: Encourage responsibility through education, public awareness, and grassroots movements.
- Decentralised System: Promote biodegradable waste composting onsite.
- Adopt “Reuse First” Over “Recycle Later”: Promoting second-hand markets and repair services can reduce overall waste generation by giving items a second life.
- Cultural Integration: Incorporating sustainability into daily life, as Kamikatsu does, can align with India’s traditional practices of thrift and reuse.
- Waste Sorting Revolution: Implement strict waste segregation policies, drawing inspiration from Kamikatsu.
The Future of Zero-waste India
Kamikatsu’s journey demonstrates that a zero-waste future is possible. It is more than an environmental success; it's a testament to human creativity, determination, and the impact of collective efforts. In a world where waste and environmental challenges often seem overwhelming, this small Japanese town has demonstrated that a sustainable alternative is achievable. By adopting bold strategies and fostering collaboration, communities worldwide can create a future where waste is a thing of the past.
For a nation as large and complex as India, the path to sustainability might not seem easy, but Kamikatsu’s story proves that even small steps can lead to transformative results. Whether it's sorting waste, rethinking consumption habits, or fostering a culture of reuse, every action counts. The question is can India leverage its immense potential and follow in Kamikatsu’s footsteps, moving from our position at a waste crisis into a global example of sustainability success? The answer lies in the collective efforts of its people, policies, and innovations.
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