Abstract
This paper summarizes issues surrounding garbage disposal for the elderly and introduces some of the current measures being taken up by municipalities based on results of a nationwide questionnaire survey (n＝1137) conducted by National Institute for Environmental Studies. It was shown that the introduction rate of systems to support garbage disposal specifically for the elderly was higher in municipalities that directly manage garbage collection for all households, as compared to municipalities that outsource collection. We also indicated that municipalities already implementing door-to-door collection for all households could also introduce measures to offer support to the elderly.
We then classified garbage disposal support systems into four types and introduced some specific cases: (A) direct support type by direct management; (B) direct support type by commission; (C) community support type; and (D) systems that allow flexibility for garbage disposal. Finally, we summarized the characteristics of each support type from these seven aspects: (1) securing collection personnel; (2) scope of garbage transportation; (3) cost breakdown; (4) geographic coverage; (5) communication/safety confirmation; (6) secondary effect on supporters; and (7) willingness to be supported. The authors concluded that municipalities planning to introduce systems to support elderly community members with garbage disposal should design their systems based on a good understanding of the characteristics for each support type and the specific regional situations, including collection systems currently in use
