Force Tech Presents the Innovative SmaGO Smart Trash Can at the 1st Resource Recycling Municipal Forum

Force Tech's Innovative Contribution to Waste Management

On September 12, 2025, Force Tech, a Tokyo-based company, participated as a keynote speaker at the 1st Resource Recycling Municipal Forum, hosted by the Ministry of the Environment. This event brought together various municipalities and enterprises to share advanced initiatives aimed at promoting resource recycling and achieving a carbon-neutral society.

During the forum, Yohei Takemura, the CEO of Force Tech, presented on the theme "Transforming Urban Waste Management into a Smart Resource Circulation Station". His speech focused on how the SmaGO smart trash can serves as a crucial solution to pressing social issues, such as waste disposal in tourist areas and the marine plastic waste crisis.

Challenges Addressed by SmaGO

Takemura highlighted various case studies from regions implementing SmaGO, including the affluent Omotesando district in Tokyo, Kyoto City, and Miyajima Island in Hiroshima. Through these examples, he demonstrated the positive impact SmaGO has made on improving the visual appeal of these areas and enhancing the efficiency of waste collection processes.

Moreover, he discussed how SmaGO has been pivotal in reducing litter and promoting responsible waste disposal behavior among citizens and tourists. For instance, the installation of SmaGO in the Dotonbori area of Osaka led to a remarkable 90% decrease in littering incidents.

In addition to discussing collection efficiency, the presentation included an innovative recycling initiative where collected plastic bottles are upcycled into new products. This initiative not only addresses waste management concerns but also aligns with future plans to establish SmaGO as a nationwide 'resource circulation station', contributing significantly towards Japan emerging as a 'resource-circulating country'.

Insights from the Forum

The Resource Recycling Municipal Forum took place from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Osaka Prefectural Gender Equality and Youth Center (Dawn Center) located in Chuo Ward, Osaka City. It was co-hosted by the Ministry of the Environment, the Kinki Regional Environment Office, Osaka Prefecture, and the 3R Resource Recycling Promotion Forum. The initiative aimed to gather insights and examples of effective resource recycling practices to inspire municipalities across Japan.

For more information about the event, visit the official forum website.

What is SmaGO?

SmaGO is an IoT smart trash can developed by Force Tech, designed with consideration for the Earth’s environment. Powered by solar energy, it automatically compresses waste into one-fifth of its original volume and communicates the amount of waste collected, significantly streamlining waste collection operations. Its customizable wrapping allows for promotional messaging, raising awareness about waste segregation while minimizing operational costs through sponsorship opportunities.

SmaGO aligns with six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, emphasizing its role in global sustainability efforts.

Proven Impact of SmaGO

- Tokyo (Omotesando/HaraJuku): Achieved a reduction of approximately 75% in collection frequency.
- Osaka (Dotonbori area): Reduced surrounding litter by around 90%.

About Force Tech

- Company Name: Force Tech Co., Ltd.
- Founded: April 15, 2019
- Location: 6th Floor, Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan.
- CEO: Yohei Takemura
- Business Overview: Proposing environmental activities that unite cities, companies, and people through the installation of smart trash cans, SmaGO, across Japan.
- Website: www.forcetec.jp