The UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) has released a report on Japan's experiences in managing industrial waste management, and lessons for other rapidly industrializing countries.
It finds that the key to Japan's success in industrial waste management was a shift in focus from "end-of-pipe" policies to preventative approaches and the introduction of the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) approach.
11 March 2014: The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) has released a report on Japan’s experiences in managing industrial waste management, and lessons for other rapidly industrializing countries. It finds that the key to Japan’s success in industrial waste management was a shift in focus from “end-of-pipe” policies to preventative approaches and the introduction of the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) approach.
‘The Japanese industrial waste experience: Lessons for rapidly industrializing countries’ provides examples from national and local governments in Japan, as well as the private sector. Examples include regulations, voluntary measures for industries, market-based instruments to subsidize city-level action, and awareness-raising programmes.
The report also highlights the critical importance of: stimulating stakeholder involvement; raising environmental awareness; and market-based instruments. [UNEP Press Release] [Publication: The Japanese Industrial Waste Experience: Lessons for Rapidly Industrializing Countries]