The strict domestic rule for discarding cardboard boxes in Japan. You must never discard them in 3D box shapes. You must peel off all adhesive packing tapes, collapse them completely flat, and tie them securely with string.
💡 Cultural Background
Maximizes collection truck load capacity. Empty 3D boxes waste valuable space, carrying mostly air and requiring extra truck trips which increases CO2 emissions. Flat cardboards stack perfectly for clean processing.
💬 Useful Conversation Phrases
1. Peel off all adhesive tape, address stickers, and staples. 2. Flatten the box completely. 3. Stack multiple flat sheets together, tie them in a cross-shape with white plastic packing twine, and place them out.
🔊 Do not discard cardboard boxes as they are; always peel off the packing tape, flatten them, and tie them with a string. / A large volume of cardboard generated from moving can be retrieved all at once as recyclable resource on the designated day.
❓ Bilingual Recycling Quiz
What is the correct domestic rule for discarding cardboard boxes in Japan?