HarmoNIES No.6

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Let Let me explain the rules for trash here in Japan. On average, 10 to 20 households set up a collection point. Residents walk or drive with their trash to the collection point. Trash is separated by each household, and separation rules are different in each municipality. In this situation, an increasing number of elderly people are finding it very difficult to take out the trash on a routine basis.

 

Let  me explain the rules for trash here in Japan. On average, 10 to 20 households set up a collection point. Residents walk or drive with their trash to the collection point. Trash is separated by each household into burnable trash, non-burnable trash, food waste, plastic, PET bottles, cans and paper, etc. The rules for trash separation differ slightly from municipality to municipality. The frequency and collection days are also different. In this situation, an increasing number of elderly people are finding it very difficult to take out the trash on a routine basis. 

 

The first step Dr. Tajima took to understand the support system for the elderly in taking out their trash was to conduct a survey and interviews to carefully gather feedback from members of the local community as well as the government staff. Before starting the survey, he made careful preparations in cooperation with the local government. This preparation is essential for good research results and to gain the understanding and cooperation of those who reply to the survey. Clear explanation of the purpose of the survey—namely, to understand the current status of taking out the trash for the elderly and to find solutions for the support they need—was essential. And before conducting the survey, the research team made assumptions about what kind of support might be important, or what challenges might arise during support, so that the right questions are asked.

Such careful preparation enabled his research team to receive answers that were relevant to what they needed to know. The data collected can be logically explained by analyzing it statistically, applying public policy concepts and theories, and analyzing the actual situation in various ways social scientists are familiar with. Through this process, the outline of the support system for taking out the trash as a solution for multiple local issues, such as community ties and welfare, becomes clear. It can then be presented as a proposal for improvement.



Conducting such research is a difficult task for individual citizens. All of this preparation before and after the survey may not draw anyone's attention, but it is a very careful effort. Just like a kind-hearted neighbor who is eager to learn a rare language to help a person in need who speaks a different language from their own.



Dr. Tajima’s work does not stop there. Even after compiling the results of the research, he is providing useful information to launch the system and to keep the system sustainable. For example, he shares real examples of municipalities that have already implemented the system. He also suggests ways to reduce the burden on the local government by getting the cooperation of the local community and to make residents feel more secure about the system.

Among the comments from local government officials are “the life of elderly households has become more lively,” “the effect of watching over people who live alone has made them feel safer and actually saved lives,” and “it has prevented people from their homes overflowing with trash”. Just the thought of having someone who cares about you is enough to cheer you up. Caring and warm attention reaches the hearts of elderly people who may be feeling lonely must be a heartwarming experience. It warms Dr. Tajima’s heart to know that his research helps people in such a personal way.

The need for assistance to the elderly for taking out their trash will increase, and solutions will have greater effects as our elderly population grows. I would like to express appreciation to Dr. Tajima and to the local government for administering this support system. We all grow old at some point.



Beyond this topic of assistance for taking out the trash, Dr. Tajima also conducts a wide range of research on waste management, including disaster waste resulting from earthquakes and floods, as well as trash along the canals in southeast Asia. He continues his quest to discover social systems related to trash and hopes to make the systems friendly and accessible to all.