On April 6, 2026, the Ministry of the Environment announced the revision of its Guidelines for Recycling of Used Diapers to support municipalities in managing increasing diaper waste due to Japan's aging population. The updated guidelines provide more structured and practical information to assist local governments in implementing systems for the separation, collection, sterilization, and recycling of used disposable diapers. They also include expanded data on greenhouse gas emission reductions, cost considerations, and simulation projections of diaper waste generation through 2050. The revision responds to the growing share of used diapers in municipal solid waste, which is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. While most used diapers are currently incinerated, the guidelines emphasize recycling as a more sustainable alternative, given the recoverable materials such as pulp and superabsorbent polymers. The initiative supports the government's target of having 150 municipalities implement or consider diaper recycling programs by FY2030, and includes continued efforts in awareness, information sharing, and support for both local authorities and businesses.
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