Abstract
Legal framework for enhancing 3R society in Japan has been established during the past 10 years, based on the notion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) . After the introduction of the law for sorted collection of containers and packaging, recycling of PET bottles and other plastics has been increasing, and burdened enterprises have shown preference for lighter packaging. Recycling system of consumer electronics, automobile and PC also started or are starting soon.
At the same time, trade flow of materials for recycling has been expanding among Asian countries, due to enhanced awareness of environmental protection and scarcity of natural resources, which should influence the domestic recycling market more in the future.
