With the Home Appliances Recycling Law coming into effect April 1, Japan is taking a significant step in changing its waste disposal policy from burying discarded appliances to recycling as much as possible.

The law, which will be taking effect nearly two years after its enactment, is aimed at building a sustainable society through a more efficient use of resources.

Local governments have until now played a major role in waste disposal, leaving manufacturers, retailers and consumers indifferent to what happens to appliances once they leave their hands.