Abstract
This paper discusses locational conflicts surrounding a new waste disposal facility in Koganei City from the viewpoint of “the politics of scale”. Since 1957, Koganei, Chofu, and Fuchu cities have disposed of their waste at Nimaibashi Waste Disposal Facility. In 2007, Koganei City officials proposed the construction of a new facility by 2017 at the site of the Nimaibashi Waste Disposal Facility, which was located at the periphery of Koganei City, or at the site of a former Janome sewing machine factory, which was located at the center of the city. Although people residing near both sites protested against the construction of the new facility, the Koganei City officials decided to construct the new facility at the site of the Nimaibashi Waste Disposal Facility. The reason for this decision is summarized as follows: (1) Most of the citizens of Koganei City appeared to be indifferent to this locational conflict; (2) The Koganei City officials were adamant about constructing an incineration facility; (3) The actions of the people residing near the former Janome sewing factory, unlike those of the people residing near Nimaibashi Waste Disposal Facility, were successful in protesting given the scale of Koganei City.
