Expansion of the Okusuri Sheet Recycling Program in Higashiyamato City

On December 11, 2025, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., in collaboration with TerraCycle Japan, officially announced the expansion of its "Okusuri Sheet Recycling Program" to Higashiyamato City, Tokyo. This program, first launched in Yokohama in October 2022, aims to enhance environmental sustainability and encourage local participation in recycling efforts.

The launch event took place at the Higashiyamato City Hall, where officials from Daiichi Sankyo, TerraCycle, and the city of Higashiyamato held a signing ceremony to formalize their partnership. During the event, representatives from the three organizations provided insights into the program's objectives and shared information about the recycling process. A bench made from recycled Okusuri Sheets was also unveiled, highlighting the tangible outcomes of the initiative.

The Okusuri Sheet Recycling Program focuses on collecting used medicine sheets, which are typically discarded after use. Given their inherent nature as essential pharmaceutical packaging, reducing their waste volume can be challenging. With Japan's aging population, it is expected that the use of medication—and subsequently, the number of Okusuri Sheets—will continue to rise. This program aims to change public perception and demonstrate that these sheets can be valuable resources for recycling.

To ensure this program remains sustainable, an optimized collection method and cost management will be implemented in Higashiyamato City. The plan includes placing dedicated collection boxes at ten public locations, including the City Hall and various community centers throughout the city by January 2026. Following this phase, the initiative will expand to include other locations like pharmacies, drugstores, and hospitals.

Additionally, the Notable successes from the program in Yokohama have provided valuable insights for launching the initiative in Higashiyamato. Daiichi Sankyo is committed to facilitating a circular economy by promoting resource recycling and using collected sheets to create valuable products such as pens, trays, and benches. These recycled items will be distributed to collection sites and offered in exchange for points earned through recycling participation.

As the program progresses, the focus will shift towards improving recycling efficiency and expanding collection points. Representatives from Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, TerraCycle Japan, and Higashiyamato City expressed their dedication to fostering a collaborative approach toward achieving widespread public engagement in recycling initiatives. Every citizen's engagement is crucial in spreading awareness about proper waste segregation and recycling practices.

Furthermore, Higashiyamato City has previously led various recycling initiatives, including collecting used plastic bottles and disposable contact lens cases. Through this new agreement, city officials aspire to enhance their recycling efforts and engage the community in practical sustainability practices further.

In summary, the expansion of the Okusuri Sheet Recycling Program to Higashiyamato City is a promising step towards fostering greater community involvement in eco-friendly practices. By leveraging local resources and partnerships, this initiative aims to cultivate a culture of responsibility towards waste management and environmental sustainability, all while transforming the recycling landscape of health-related packaging in Japan.

Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare remains firmly committed to its sustainability goals, underscoring the importance of health and environmental stewardship for future generations. As the program takes root in Higashiyamato, the hope is for broader participation, resulting in meaningful contributions to a more sustainable society.

For further details, visit the official program website: Okusuri Sheet Recycling Program Website.