· Rule Change

Shibuya Ward | How to Dispose of Mercury-Containing Waste: Sorting Rules for Thermometers and Fluorescent Lamps

Summary

Shibuya Ward (渋谷区) has published official guidance on how to dispose of mercury-containing waste, including thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and fluorescent lamps.

Key Points from the Official Notice

  • According to Shibuya Ward’s official notice, thermometers and blood pressure monitors that contain mercury must be disposed of by contacting the local sanitation office directly before disposal.
  • According to the official notice, the waste category for fluorescent lamps changed from “non-burnable garbage” to “recyclables” in July 2018 (Heisei 30). They must be put out on the weekly recyclables collection day.
  • According to the official notice, fluorescent lamps must be wrapped carefully to prevent breakage — place them in the original packaging or wrap them in paper before putting them out.
  • According to the official notice, broken fluorescent lamps, incandescent bulbs, and LED fluorescent tubes should be disposed of as non-burnable garbage.
  • According to the official notice, button batteries should be deposited in collection boxes at retail stores.

What Users Should Check

  • If you are disposing of a thermometer or blood pressure monitor, contact the sanitation office in advance.
  • When putting out fluorescent lamps, wrap them to prevent breakage and place them out on the recyclables collection day.
  • For button batteries, use the collection boxes available at retail stores.

For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.

Source