Children Save "Paper Resources" Sleeping in Homes

The Japan Paper Recycling Promotion Center (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) is collaborating with the "Kodomo Eco Club," operated by the Japan Environment Association, to implement "Find the Zatsugami-sama!," an experiential environmental learning program aimed at promoting the sorting and recycling of miscellaneous paper discharged from households.

In fiscal year 2026, Kodomo Eco Clubs operating in Sapporo City, Sendai City, Chiba City, the 23 wards of Tokyo, Nagoya City, and Saga Prefecture will be targeted, and promotional paper bags for collecting miscellaneous paper will be provided free of charge.

The program aims to deepen children's understanding of resource circulation and waste reduction through the experience of finding recyclable paper in their homes and sorting it as a resource.

Focus on "Zatsugami" Mixed with Household Combustible Waste

Paper boxes for snacks and food, printouts, memo paper, and toilet paper cores are called "zatsugami" (miscellaneous paper) and are valuable recyclable resources. However, much of this zatsugami is still disposed of as combustible waste and is not fully utilized as a resource.

Therefore, this program features "Zatsugami-sama," a small deity residing in zatsugami, as the main character, creating a system where children can learn about sorting and recycling in a fun way by searching for zatsugami in their homes as if playing a game.

952 Participants in Saga Prefecture Model Project in FY2025

This program was piloted in fiscal year 2025 targeting Kodomo Eco Clubs in Saga Prefecture.

Guidance was provided to clubs in Saga Prefecture, and 4 clubs participated. A total of 952 members and 299 supporters engaged in the activities.

The Kodomo Eco Club Activity Report (※) reported on children of various ages, from preschoolers to elementary school students, collecting zatsugami at home and learning about recycling, confirming that it led to increased sorting awareness at home.

(※) https://www.j-ecoclub.jp/ecoreport/list.php

Nabeshima Nursery School, Boy Scouts of Japan Saga No. 3 Troop Beaver and Cub Sections

Target Regions Expanded in FY2026

In fiscal year 2026, to allow more children to learn about resource circulation, the target regions will be expanded to the following six areas: "Sapporo City," "Sendai City," "Chiba City," "23 Wards of Tokyo," "Nagoya City," and "Saga Prefecture."

The target regions have been set primarily in areas with close ties to the Paper Recycling Promotion Center. We will first verify the effectiveness of the project under a reliable operational structure and consider expanding the target areas based on future implementation status.

Program Overview

【Program Name】

Find the Zatsugami-sama!

【Target】

Kodomo Eco Clubs operating in Sapporo City, Sendai City, the 23 wards of Tokyo, Chiba City, Nagoya City, and Saga Prefecture.

【Application Period】

May 11, 2026 - January 31, 2027

【Activity Report Deadline】

February 15, 2027

【Participation Fee】

Free

【Provided Contents】

- Promotional paper bags for collecting zatsugami

- "Find the Zatsugami-sama!" explanation flyer

【Participation Incentive】

Clubs that submit an activity report or report will receive a special notebook as a gift.

【Details URL】

https://www.j-ecoclub.jp/topics/info/202605141000.html

"Find the Zatsugami-sama!" Explanation Flyer Zatsugami Promotional Bag

(Comment from Masatomo Kawakami, Senior Managing Director, Japan Paper Recycling Promotion Center)

Paper is a precious resource that can be recycled repeatedly. However, much of the zatsugami discharged from households is not collected as a resource and is disposed of as combustible waste.

This program aims to provide an opportunity for children to take the initiative in finding zatsugami in their homes, learn about resource circulation, and act upon it.

We will continue to contribute to the formation of a circular society through environmental learning for children and the promotion of paper recycling.

【Contact】

Japan Paper Recycling Promotion Center

Contact: Business Department (Hamano)

TEL: 03-3537-6822

E-mail: [email protected]