,"On November 7, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment announced a Partial Amendment to the Cabinet Order under Article 10(1) of the Act on the Advancement of Recycling Businesses for the Promotion of a Circular Economy (Reiwa 7 Cabinet Order No. 3). The amendment, which takes effect on November 21, 2025 alongside the enforcement of the Act (Act No. 41 of 2024), strengthens the regulatory foundation for advanced recycling businesses and ensures uniform, high-standard implementation of Japan’s circular economy policies.
The revision establishes clear operational requirements for certified recycling operators, including standardized rules for the entrustment, collection, transport, and temporary storage of industrial waste. It introduces nationwide technical and structural standards to prevent leakage, contamination, odor, noise, fire hazards, and other environmental risks. The amendment also enhances governance by requiring written contracts with detailed waste information, minimum waste-processing thresholds, and mandatory retention of documentation for audits.
To ensure responsible oversight, the amendment defines qualifications for key personnel authorized to manage recycling operations, conclude contracts, and supervise compliance. It further strengthens advanced recycling practices by setting technical criteria for high-quality waste separation and recovery aligned with ministerial standards. Additionally, certification and investigation bodies must renew registration every five years to maintain reliability. Overall, the amendment supports safer, transparent, and more effective industrial waste recycling nationwide."
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