Summary
Sapporo City (札幌市) has announced a temporary measure allowing residents to use clear or semi-clear non-designated plastic bags for garbage disposal due to a shortage of designated garbage bags.
Key Points from the Official Notice
- According to Sapporo City’s official notice, a sharp increase in purchases of designated garbage bags since late May caused stock shortages at some retailers, leading to this temporary measure
- According to the official notice, the temporary period runs from Monday, June 15, 2026 through Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (scheduled), and applies to burnable garbage and non-burnable garbage
- According to the official notice, acceptable bags must be 45 liters or smaller and clear or semi-clear (contents must be visible as a silhouette through the bag); there are no restrictions on thickness, handles, or printing
- According to the official notice, the following are not acceptable: opaque bags, easily torn bags, bags that leak moisture, prepaid bags for business use, and designated bags from other municipalities
- According to the official notice, sorting rules, collection days, and collection frequency remain unchanged, and residents do not need to write the waste type on the bag
What Users Should Check
- According to the official notice, “clear or semi-clear” means that the shape (silhouette) of the contents is visible through the bag when filled; shopping bags (plastic carrier bags) are acceptable if they meet this standard
- Items you prefer to keep private may be wrapped in paper or colored bags before being placed inside the clear or semi-clear outer bag; however, according to the official notice, wrapping that completely conceals the entire bag is not permitted
- Once the temporary measure ends, residents must return to using designated garbage bags; any changes will be announced on the official page
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.
Source
- Sapporo City Official | Temporary Measures Regarding Designated Household Garbage Bags (June 8) (Last checked: 2026-06-18)