JP Waste Management Act — Mandatory Electronic Manifest Use for Large Generators of Industrial Waste
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Fully effective April 1, 2020 (mandatory for large generators)
Overview
Under the Waste Management Act (Act on Waste Management and Public Cleansing), large generators, businesses with a business site that generated 50 tonnes or more of specially controlled industrial waste in the previous fiscal year, are required to use an electronic manifest (JWNET) in place of the paper manifest. The system is designed to prevent illegal dumping of industrial waste, deter improper treatment, and ensure thorough traceability for waste generators.
Enforcement Timeline
June 2017: The amended Waste Management Act is enacted, establishing the mandatory electronic manifest requirement for large generators.
April 2020: The mandatory electronic manifest requirement takes full effect for business sites that generated 50 tonnes or more of specially controlled industrial waste in the previous fiscal year.
By June 30 each year: Large generators must submit and publish their treatment plan and implementation status report for the previous fiscal year.
Business Impact
Companies operating manufacturing sites or business sites in Japan are required to join the Japan Waste Management Association's electronic manifest network (JWNET) for each covered business site and to thoroughly implement electronic manifest operations. Failure to adopt the system, operational shortcomings, or false or delayed reporting carry the risk of a corrective order from the local government and penalties under the Waste Management Act.