Abstract
With the onset of an ageing society and an increase of elderly-only households, it has become difficult for surviving relatives to manage the belongings of the deceased (hereafter termed “relics”). This has resulted in the emergence of what is known as relics clearance businesses. This paper discusses the implications of the licensing regulations under the current waste disposal law with regard to these relics clearance businesses, and points out the necessity of incorporating the concept of relics waste in waste management plans of local authorities.
Four possible measures are suggested : (1) Carriage and disposal by direct service operation of the local authority ; (2) Exceptional acceptance on the carriage of one-off bulk disposal of household waste by licensed general waste collection companies ; (3) Specific licensing on carriage and disposal of relics waste : (4) Establishment by the central government of guidelines that specify the conditions under which relics clearance business are given exceptional permission on the carriage of waste.
Lastly, issues for waste management administration in facilitating the prevention of accumulating relics waste are identified from the viewpoint of an elderly citizen.
