Kitakyushu City Launches "Business Waste Reduction Challenge Subsidy" Exclusively for Local Businesses!!

Waste from businesses brought to Kitakyushu City's incineration plants amounts to approximately 150,000 tons annually (FY2024), a significant portion of which includes recyclable paper (about 40%).

Therefore, the city has newly established the "Kitakyushu City Business Waste Reduction Challenge Subsidy Program" to support the separation of paper and other recyclables, primarily from corporate office sectors, thereby promoting waste reduction and recycling. Applications are now being accepted.

Why not take on the challenge of reducing waste and recycling resources throughout your business using this subsidy?

We look forward to your applications!

1. Program Overview

Application Acceptance Period:

From Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday, January 29, 2027 (subject to budget availability)

Eligible Applicants:

Small and medium-sized enterprises (including sole proprietors) in Kitakyushu City

Maximum Subsidy Amount:

100,000 yen (within 1/2 of eligible expenses)

Eligible Expenses:

(1) Purchase of goods etc. to improve the sorting environment

- Purchase of easily sortable trash bins, containers, etc.

- Purchase of temporary storage containers for recyclable waste, etc.

- Purchase of machines for processing confidential paper (shredders), etc.

- Purchase of machines for reducing and recycling food waste, etc.

(2) Facility improvements to enhance the sorting environment

- Zoning improvements for waste disposal areas

- Floor marking work to ensure clear pathways for each type of waste

- Minor construction work to secure sorting space, etc.

2. Effects of Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiatives

◆ Reduction in Waste Disposal Costs

Are you discarding valuable resources like paper and wood that can be collected for free?

→ Thorough separation and waste reduction lead to cost savings.

◆ Improvement in Operational Efficiency

Is waste disposal and sorting left solely to staff members?

→ When all staff members pay attention to the waste they discard, it can lead to a review of sorting rules and inventory management.

◆ Effective Utilization of Workplace Space

Are there more trash bins than staff members? Are sorting areas scattered around?

→ Why not tidy up your workplace by utilizing the subsidy?

◆ Realization of Social Responsibility & Staff Awareness

Are you aware of this but postponing action?

→ An environmentally conscious stance and initiatives greatly influence corporate value and young people's career choices.

3. Special Website

For details on the subsidy, please check the Kitakyushu City official website:

https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/contents/011_00005.html

4. Contact Information

Kitakyushu City Environmental Bureau, Circular Society Promotion Division (Business Waste Reduction Challenge Subsidy Section)

TEL: 093-582-2187 Mail: [email protected]

5. Comments from the Department in Charge

From "Discarding" waste to "Utilizing" it.

"I want to reduce waste, but I don't know where to start."

"I want to sort waste, but the workplace environment isn't set up for it."

This system is highly recommended for businesses facing such challenges.

Let's make waste reduction and sorting more efficient and smarter.

Kitakyushu City, together with its businesses, will promote a city that cherishes its resources.

©Teitan & Black Teitan, Kitakyushu City