EXCLUSIVE: Japan to Introduce Permit System for Scrap Yard Biz

Tokyo, Dec. 18 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Environment Ministry plans to introduce a permit system for scrap yard operations as part of efforts to tighten regulations in the sector, informed sources have told Jiji Press. The permit system is being considered in response to a series of cases in which environmental and other problems such as noise, fire and soil contamination have been caused by improper storage of such scrap as used metals and plastics. The ministry aims to submit a bill to revise the waste management law to next year’s ordinary parliamentary session after discussion at a subcommittee of the Central Environment Council, which advises the environment minister, the sources said Wednesday. Under the current law, storage is regulated only when scrap brought into yards is classified as “waste.” If it is deemed “valuable material” with trade value as a resource, it is largely exempt from regulation, with some exceptions. With the new system, the scope of regulation will be expanded to cover valuable materials to promote proper storage. Details on the specific items subject to regulation and storage standards will be worked out later. The ministry also aims to prevent the outflow of scrap overseas and promote resource circulation within Japan. The number of scrap yards is believed to have increased sharply across the country due to soaring metal prices. A 2024 ministry survey covering 129 prefectural and municipal governments found at least 3,260 scrap yards nationwide. Moves to strengthen regulations are spreading, including local governments enacting their own ordinances. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]