Yasuhiko Kobayashi

Japan Environmental Sanitation Center
(10-6, Yotsuya Kami-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, 210 Japan.

Abstract

Regulation and practical systems are needed to treat waste properly, and sharing responsibilities and establishing practical organizations are important issues. Who is the proper person to execute difficult waste management decisions? To answer this question a review of history was attempted to indicate future trends. As domestic waste has been treated by municipalities in Japan for a long time, several modifications were recently added to emphasize industry's responsibility, however the role of prefectures should be strengthened to improve the regional management plan. Industrial waste has been managed under the discharger's responsibility and private enterprise, and public participation is needed to face difficulties in developing facilities for the private sector.

Management of waste PCB and mercury from dry batteries in the past are discussed by reviewing practical experiences in order to suggest future systems for hazardous waste. Short comments are also provided on partnerships between public and private sector organizations.

Key words: responsibility, regional waste management plan, enterprise, PCB, mercury in dry batteries