Umi Town Partners with Market Enterprise for Reuse Initiative to Promote Sustainability
In an inspiring move towards sustainability, Umi Town in Fukuoka Prefecture has partnered with Market Enterprise, a leading Tokyo-based reuse company, to launch a new reuse initiative aimed at reducing waste. The collaboration marks the start of a significant project that leverages the reuse platform "Oikura" to create a system that encourages locals to reuse rather than discard their unwanted items. The partnership will officially begin on October 28, 2025, aligning with the town's ongoing commitment to promote environmental conservation through effective waste management.
Umi Town has a history of implementing sustainability-focused initiatives, including the establishment of a community bulletin board for resource recycling called "Ikiiki Recycle." Despite these efforts, the town has faced challenges associated with increasing waste disposal costs and the presence of reusable items among waste outputs. This led town officials to seek out innovative strategies to promote reuse activities among residents. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has consistently championed sustainability through its business practices, including its participation in various public-private partnerships aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the compatibility of their goals, Umi Town and Market Enterprise found a common ground to work together on the "Oikura" platform.
The "Oikura" platform allows individuals looking to sell their unwanted items to easily connect with numerous reuse shops across Japan through a unified assessment request. Users can obtain multiple quotes for their items through a single inquiry, simplifying the process of selling. With around 1.55 million users registered by June 2025, the platform has garnered attention for its ease of use and effective service.
Umi Town currently offers waste collection services for bulky items, but residents often encounter difficulties when disposing of large, heavy items that require transportation from their homes. The "Oikura" platform offers an improved solution by providing home pickup services that enable residents to sell their larger items from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, items such as refrigerators and washing machines, which are subject to specific recycling laws, can also be purchased if they remain functional. Residents aiming to sell their items can expect potential transactions to be completed as quickly as the same day, following their assessment request.
Starting on October 28, information regarding the "Oikura" platform will be available on the Umi Town website, allowing residents to submit bulk assessment requests for their unwanted items easily. By connecting with "Oikura," Umi Town anticipates exciting opportunities for enhancing secondhand market activities and reducing disposable material across the community. This initiative can also lead to significant reductions in waste management costs and volumes for the local government, while simultaneously promoting a cultural shift among residents towards more sustainable practices.
The collaboration aims to provide Umi Town residents with more options for reusing items rather than disposing of them, thereby promoting sustainability and supporting the creation of a circular economy. This public-private partnership serves as a blueprint for resolving both social and economic challenges related to sustainability, helping local residents to embrace reuse as a viable option in today's society, with increased awareness about their environmental impact.
Umi Town, entrenched in rich historical significance and natural beauty, is taking bold steps towards creating a sustainable future for its residents. As the partnership with Market Enterprise unfolds, it reflects a growing commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that Umi Town can lead the way in developing effective solutions for waste management and recycling. With a robust population and communal engagement, Umi Town is poised to become a model for other regions seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts through innovative reuse initiatives like "Oikura." For more information, visit the official Umi Town website.
Background of the Collaboration
Umi Town has a history of implementing sustainability-focused initiatives, including the establishment of a community bulletin board for resource recycling called "Ikiiki Recycle." Despite these efforts, the town has faced challenges associated with increasing waste disposal costs and the presence of reusable items among waste outputs. This led town officials to seek out innovative strategies to promote reuse activities among residents. On the other hand, Market Enterprise has consistently championed sustainability through its business practices, including its participation in various public-private partnerships aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the compatibility of their goals, Umi Town and Market Enterprise found a common ground to work together on the "Oikura" platform.
Understanding the Oikura Platform
The "Oikura" platform allows individuals looking to sell their unwanted items to easily connect with numerous reuse shops across Japan through a unified assessment request. Users can obtain multiple quotes for their items through a single inquiry, simplifying the process of selling. With around 1.55 million users registered by June 2025, the platform has garnered attention for its ease of use and effective service.
Addressing Local Challenges
Umi Town currently offers waste collection services for bulky items, but residents often encounter difficulties when disposing of large, heavy items that require transportation from their homes. The "Oikura" platform offers an improved solution by providing home pickup services that enable residents to sell their larger items from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, items such as refrigerators and washing machines, which are subject to specific recycling laws, can also be purchased if they remain functional. Residents aiming to sell their items can expect potential transactions to be completed as quickly as the same day, following their assessment request.
Information Accessibility and Future Sustainability Goals
Starting on October 28, information regarding the "Oikura" platform will be available on the Umi Town website, allowing residents to submit bulk assessment requests for their unwanted items easily. By connecting with "Oikura," Umi Town anticipates exciting opportunities for enhancing secondhand market activities and reducing disposable material across the community. This initiative can also lead to significant reductions in waste management costs and volumes for the local government, while simultaneously promoting a cultural shift among residents towards more sustainable practices.
The collaboration aims to provide Umi Town residents with more options for reusing items rather than disposing of them, thereby promoting sustainability and supporting the creation of a circular economy. This public-private partnership serves as a blueprint for resolving both social and economic challenges related to sustainability, helping local residents to embrace reuse as a viable option in today's society, with increased awareness about their environmental impact.
Conclusion
Umi Town, entrenched in rich historical significance and natural beauty, is taking bold steps towards creating a sustainable future for its residents. As the partnership with Market Enterprise unfolds, it reflects a growing commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that Umi Town can lead the way in developing effective solutions for waste management and recycling. With a robust population and communal engagement, Umi Town is poised to become a model for other regions seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts through innovative reuse initiatives like "Oikura." For more information, visit the official Umi Town website.
Topics Environment）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.