#Japan #recycling #Warabi #Palsystem Saitama #Sugito Recycling Center

Enhancing Recycling Initiatives at Palsystem Saitama

On January 14, 2023, the Palsystem Saitama cooperative, headquartered in Warabi City, Saitama, led by Chairperson Yoshiko Nishiuchi, conducted an insightful visit to the Sugito Recycling Center located in Kitakatsushika, Saitama. This visit marked a significant step towards reinforcing their commitment to improving recycling efforts through their delivery infrastructure.

Strengthening Resource Circulation

The Saitama branch of Palsystem, which operates eight delivery centers across the prefecture, has been proactive in enhancing its reuse and recycling initiatives. A dedicated environmental officer is stationed at each delivery base, responsible for educating staff and consumers about the reusability of collected packaging materials such as catalogs and milk cartons. During the center visit, the officer was able to observe first-hand how these recovered materials are reintegrated into the recycling process.

At the Sugito center, various materials collected by delivery personnel, including catalogs, paper cartons, rice bags, and plastic wraps, undergo compaction and are supplied to recycling companies as raw materials. With a daily collection volume equivalent to about 450 carts from all 67 Palsystem delivery locations, the scale of the operation is substantial.

To ensure accurate tracking of recycling rates, materials are weighed at both the delivery centers and by type. Two balers compress the collected items into bales measuring 1m x 1m x 1.8m, producing approximately 70 bales each day. Proper sorting is critical, as contamination with foreign materials can diminish the resource value of plastics. Therefore, careful visual inspections and quality checks are conducted manually before feeding materials into the balers.

Some users have started bundling collected materials with rubber bands for easier handling by the delivery staff, or wrapping glass bottles to prevent breakage. However, failure to notice such practices before compressing can lead to equipment damage or even require the disposal of entire bales due to reduced material value.

The Palsystem team recognizes the importance of addressing user concerns through proactive communication and precise training for staff on proper sorting procedures to minimize contamination.

Collaborative Solutions for Effective Communication

After the visit, the team convened to discuss strategies for preventing foreign material contamination in collected recycling items. They brainstormed various ideas for user engagement as well as for warehouse staff responsible for sorting materials. The discussions included developing flyers to request the removal of labeling from non-recyclable items and to guide consumers on proper recycling practices.

To facilitate a seamless recycling process, warehouse staff proposed prominent signage outlining acceptable reusable and recyclable materials in collection areas. The delivery personnel were also equipped with laminated guides to clarify sorting criteria, accessible during their routes. Additionally, when users submit non-acceptable materials, staff will use a