#Japan #Takayama #SmaGO #Forcetec

Innovative Waste Management in Takayama

On July 17, 2026, Forcetec, based in Tokyo, launched three smart garbage bins dubbed 'SmaGO' in front of Takayama's historical site, the Takayama Jin'ya. This groundbreaking initiative commenced a practical operation period, marking the first deployment of SmaGO units in Takayama city.

The SmaGO bins operate on solar power and incorporate an automatic waste compression feature, along with remote monitoring capabilities to verify waste levels. Their introduction is timely, as Takayama is a major international tourist destination, attracting nearly one million foreign visitors annually. This city, which has been heralded as one of the coziest cities globally by Booking.com’s 'Traveller Review Awards 2026', aims to enhance its hospitality for travelers.

A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism

High atop a gorgeous, natural landscape, Takayama is celebrated for its rich historical streetscapes and traditional culture. Hosting a bustling morning market every day, the Takayama Jin'ya area sees high foot traffic from tourists, making it a priority for maintaining cleanliness and enhancing visitor convenience. The implementation of SmaGO aims not only to facilitate proper waste disposal but also to prevent littering, thereby preserving the city's picturesque views.

In line with the city's initiative to foster mutual respect between locals and tourists, SmaGO bins have been designed to reflect the ethos of 'with Respect'. This slogan represents thoughtful hospitality from citizens and is aimed at encouraging tourists to appreciate the area’s cultural heritage.

Design and Logistics of SmaGO Bins

The three SmaGO bins are configured for separating different types of waste, including cans, combustible waste, and plastic bottles. Alongside the SmaGO units, a dedicated collection container for bottle caps will be introduced, promoting recycling and separation practices.

The installation of SmaGO is supported by the Japan Tourism Agency’s project intended to foster a more sustainable accommodating environment in tourist destinations. This initiative uses smart technology to deal with the critical issues related to waste management, particularly as tourism continues to rise.

About SmaGO

SmaGO, developed by Forcetec, stands out as an IoT-driven waste receptacle designed with the planet in mind. The bins can compress waste to about 20% of its original volume, which significantly enhances efficiency in waste collection. Their customizable design allows organizations to promote recycling initiatives or seek sponsorship opportunities, further mitigating operational costs. SmaGO aligns with six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations.

Example results from earlier implementations include a reported 70% reduction in collection trips in Tokyo's Omotesando-Harajuku area and a remarkable 90% decrease in litter, excluding cigarette butts, in Osaka's Dotonbori region.

Future Plans

As part of ongoing efforts, Forcetec intends to relocate some SmaGO bins to areas like the Hida Takayama Exchange Center in October, paving the way for evaluating performance across different environments. The company is committed to collaborating with municipalities and corporations to enhance urban beauty, promote recycling, and contribute to the development of sustainable tourist regions.

About Forcetec

At Forcetec, we believe in leveraging technology to create a new societal model that respects the planet's finite resources. Our initiatives, including the smart garbage bin SmaGO and AI-powered recycling systems like Weecle, strive to build a sustainable society through collaboration with like-minded entities.

Official Website: Forcetec

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact:
Forcetec PR Contact
Phone: 03-3453-7140
Contact Form: Here

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