#Japan #SmaGO #Forcetec #Manazuru

SmaGO: The Next Generation of Smart Trash Cans in Manazuru

On February 18, 2026, the picturesque town of Manazuru in Kanagawa, Japan, took a momentous step towards enhancing its environmental sustainability by introducing four state-of-the-art smart trash cans known as SmaGO. Developed by Forcetec Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, this initiative is spearheaded by the Manazuru Tourism Promotion Organization and is championed by the Japanese government's commitment to sustainable tourism. The newly installed SmaGO units operate on solar power, automatically compress trash to about one-fifth of its original size, and notify when they need to be emptied, all while helping to preserve the town’s stunning natural surroundings.

Project Overview

The following details outline the installation:

• - Installation Date: February 18, 2026
• - Location: In front of Manazuru Fish Pavilion parking lot / Cape Manazuru
• - Number of Units: Four smart trash cans (for combustible waste, cans, bottles, and PET bottles)
• - Implementing Organization: Manazuru Tourism Promotion Organization

Background of SmaGO Installation

Manazuru is celebrated for its lush natural landscape, bordered by both sea and mountains. However, with an increase in tourism, littering has become a pressing issue, particularly along coastal areas, scenic walking paths, and near fish-spotting conservation forests. Despite the efforts of local residents to clean up, manpower shortages often hinder effective action. It is estimated that most marine debris originates from land, highlighting the importance of reducing terrestrial waste to protect the ocean.

The alignment of Manazuru's vision of reducing land waste to subsequently reduce marine litter closely matches SmaGO's mission of ensuring the ocean does not become a dumping ground. As a result, this innovative trash solution aims to deter littering, prevent overflow, and streamline waste collection processes, contributing to the preservation of Manazuru’s natural beauty and sustainable tourism management.

Visual Impact of SmaGO

The SmaGO units feature eye-catching wrapping designs that communicate straightforward messages such as "Let’s preserve rich seas for the future" and "Stop marine debris at the source." This visually conveys Manazuru’s commitment to safeguarding the natural environment, which extends from forests to the sea. Moreover, instructions for waste separation are displayed in four languages, making it easier for domestic and international tourists to use the facilities.

Future Endeavors

The Manazuru authorities plan to integrate SmaGO into the tourism infrastructure, featuring it in tourist guides, websites, and local maps. Additionally, the smart trash cans are expected to play a significant role in local events, including fireworks celebrations, enhancing accessibility to proper waste disposal for tourists and mitigating littering while maintaining scenic aesthetics. The project aims to position SmaGO as a symbol of environmental mindfulness, with aspirations of replicating this model in other regions in the future.

About Smart Trash Can SmaGO

SmaGO, developed by Forcetec, is an IoT-enabled smart waste management solution designed with environmental considerations in mind. Its solar-powered operation allows for the automatic compression of waste to approximately one-fifth its size, while also offering communication capabilities to signal when it requires collection. This significantly enhances the efficiency of waste collection efforts while preventing overflow.

The SmaGO's customizable wrapping also offers a unique opportunity for awareness campaigns related to waste segregation and cost reduction through sponsorship. Furthermore, the installation aligns with six of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Examples of Impacted Areas

• - Omotesando and Harajuku, Tokyo: Achieved approximately a 70% reduction in collection frequency.
• - Dotonbori, Osaka: Registered a 90% reduction in litter (excluding cigarette butts) around the area.

About Forcetec

• - Company Name: Forcetec Inc.
• - Established: April 15, 2019
• - Location: Otemachi One Tower, 6th floor, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-0004
• - CEO: Yohei Takemura
• - Business: Proposing environmentally friendly initiatives through the installation of smart trash cans, SmaGO, across Japan.
• - Official Website: Forcetec

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to:
Forcetec Public Relations Department
Phone: 03-3453-7140
Contact Form: SmaGO Contact