Abstract
In 2019, the Japanese government established The Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics, which set multiple numerical targets relating to the reduction and recycling of plastic waste. In order to implement policies to effectively achieve the goals outlined in the Strategy, the actual situation of plastic waste generation needed to first be clarified. In Japan, however, there has not been sufficient research done to estimate the amounts of plastic waste being generated at regional levels. This study estimates the total generation of plastic waste for all municipalities in Japan based on the results of waste composition surveys in incineration facilities and amounts of recycled plastics. Based on data from this estimation, we analyze the regional factors that influence per capita generation amounts. As a result, significant relations were found between household expenditures on processed food and the value added in the accommodation and food service industries. This suggests that overall emissions may be higher than previously estimated based on material flow analysis.
