The Role of Smart Trash Bins SmaGO in Sustainable Urban Futures

On October 22, 2025, Force Tech Corporation participated in an inspiring event titled "ETHICAL DESIGN WEEK TOKYO 2025" held at Roppongi's Toranomon Hills. A key program during this event was the "Ethical City Conference," where Yurina Morishita from the Business Co-Creation Department at Force Tech delivered a presentation highlighting the role of the smart trash bin, SmaGO, in fostering a sustainable society envisioned by Generation Z.

Exploring a Sustainable Future

The main theme of the event, "TOKYO ETHICAL CITY," aimed to explore the evolving values of urban living and envisioning a future of well-being. As part of the session on innovative solutions for sustainable societies, Morishita discussed how SmaGO addresses urban challenges and contributes to environmental sustainability.

A Personal Journey Towards Environmental Awareness

Morishita, who has had an ongoing commitment to environmental issues since her student days, initiated community cleanup efforts around Shibuya while working at Force Tech. In her opening remarks, she shared insights into how her values have shaped by various environmental influences. During her studies in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its environmental practices, she was struck by the abundance of public trash bins. She realized that while public consciousness is essential for keeping cities clean, such infrastructures—like the bin system—play a crucial role. This realization laid the foundation for her current efforts to confront waste management issues.

SmaGO: More Than Just a Trash Bin

Next, Morishita introduced Force Tech's innovative smart trash bin, SmaGO. Unlike traditional bins that merely serve as disposal points, SmaGO is envisioned as an "entrance to resource circulation." Force Tech aims to contribute to resolving urban and maritime waste problems while seamlessly integrating the recycling process. Currently, SmaGO has been deployed in approximately 600 units across 60 locations nationwide.

What sets SmaGO apart is its solar-powered compacting ability, which increases its trash capacity by nearly five times, preventing overflow while also reducing collection frequency. Equipped with a communication feature, it alerts waste management about the bin's status in real-time, enhancing operational efficiency.

Case Study: Transforming Omotesando and Harajuku

One notable project presented during the session is the Smart Action Project in the fashionable district of Omotesando and Harajuku, which has now entered its third year. Sponsored by Nippon Tokushuko Co., the project features SmaGO units wrapped in artistic designs by Heralbonie, aiming to promote a sustainable and inclusive society. The introduction of SmaGO has yielded multi-faceted benefits, including:

- Prevention of littering
- Significant reduction in collection frequency (about 75%)
- Improved waste sorting rates

Addressing Infrastructure Needs

In closing, Morishita shared observations from her recent visits to foreign cities like Paris and Boston, where trash bins are seamlessly integrated into urban infrastructure. She pointed out the shortage of waste disposal units in Japanese cities, a deficiency commonly identified as a significant inconvenience for tourists visiting Japan.

Her conclusion emphasized the necessity of having the right number of smart trash bins in required locations. She expressed a vision for trash bins to function as a fundamental element of social infrastructure, contributing to creating a circular economy.

Going forward, Force Tech commits to enhancing urban sustainability through the expansion of SmaGO, striving to build cleaner, greener cities.

Meet Yurina Morishita

Yurina Morishita, born in 2001 in Tokyo, has always been engaged with environmental issues and circular economy concepts. Her studies abroad in the Netherlands shaped her awareness of waste management. While working at Force Tech, she continues promoting cleanup activities in Tokyo's Shibuya district. Her hobbies include picking up trash, exploring trash bins, practicing yoga, and traveling.

For more details on SmaGO and Force Tech's initiatives, visit Force Tech Official Site.