Appliances and computers: not sodai gomi
Air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators/freezers and washing machines/clothes dryers are covered by Japan’s Home Appliance Recycling Act.
Wards do not collect them as sodai gomi. Computers are not collected by the ward either; the manufacturer takes them back.
The four appliances
- Buying a replacement: ask the shop selling you the new one to take the old one.
- You know where you bought it: that shop can take it back.
- Taking it yourself: buy a “家電リサイクル券” (appliance recycling ticket) at a post office, pay the recycling fee, and bring the item to the maker’s designated collection point.
Every route has a recycling fee set by maker and size. Shops also charge a collection and transport fee.
Look up recycling fees in the Home Appliance Recycling Ticket Center fee list (Japanese).
Computers
Apply to the manufacturer’s take-back service. Home PCs with the “PC Recycle” mark are collected without a new fee. If the maker is unknown, see the PC 3R Promotion Association.
Sources: Chiyoda City sodai gomi page, Ministry of the Environment, PC 3R Promotion Association, Home Appliance Recycling Ticket Center. Checked 2026-10-16.
FAQ
How much does it cost to get rid of a fridge?
A recycling fee set by the maker and size, plus a collection/transport fee. You can look up the recycling fee at the Home Appliance Recycling Ticket Center.
How do I dispose of a computer?
Apply to the manufacturer’s take-back service. Home PCs with the PC Recycle mark are collected at no extra charge.