To prevent environmental degradation caused by improper outdoor storage of specified recyclable resources, Saitama Prefecture has enacted the Saitama Prefecture Regulation on the Control of Outdoor Storage Businesses for Specified Recyclable Resources. This regulation was promulgated on July 9, 2024, and will come into effect on January 1, 2025. This article provides a detailed overview of the new regulation and the steps for obtaining necessary permits.
If you are engaged in handling specified recyclable resources, this is essential reading. Use this article to prepare early and avoid penalties.
1. Overview of the Saitama Prefecture Regulation on Specified Recyclable Resources
Introduction of Permit Requirements
Starting January 1, 2025, businesses involved in the outdoor storage of specified recyclable resources in Saitama Prefecture must obtain a permit from the prefectural governor. Key points to note:
- Grace Period for Existing Businesses
Businesses operating as of January 1, 2025, can be deemed permitted by submitting a notification to the prefectural governor by June 30, 2025. - Regulations in Saitama City and Koshigaya City
If operating in these cities, local ordinances will apply instead of this prefectural regulation.
Rules to Follow
When storing specified recyclable resources outdoors, the following regulations apply:
- Height Restrictions
Storage height and methods must comply with standards set in the ordinance. - Installation of Enclosures
The storage area must be enclosed, and the materials stored should not place direct pressure on the enclosure. - Measures Against Wastewater and Oil Leaks
Steps must be taken to prevent wastewater or oil from seeping into the ground. - Pest and Fire Prevention
Appropriate management is required to prevent pests or fires. - Noise and Vibration Countermeasures
Businesses must implement measures to minimize the impact on surrounding living environments.
Penalties
Violating the ordinance can result in the following penalties:
- Up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 1 million yen.
- Administrative sanctions such as permit revocation or improvement orders.
2.What Are Specified Recyclable Resources?
Specified recyclable resources include metals and plastics such as:
- Used Products
Items that have been used and collected (e.g., bicycles, PET bottles). - By-products
Materials such as scrap metals or plastics generated during manufacturing or construction.
The above items are categorized as follows:
- Metal scrap
- Plastic materials
- Mixed scrap materials
However, items classified as waste under the Waste Management Law or hazardous used devices are excluded.
3. Standards for Storage Sites
Below are the key regulations for storage sites:
- Display of Signage
Signs displaying the business name, address, and other details must be posted. - Storage Area and Distance
Each storage area must not exceed 200 square meters, and at least a 2-meter gap must be maintained between adjacent storage areas. - Height Restrictions
For example, miscellaneous scrap materials can be stored up to a maximum height of 5 meters, but restrictions vary depending on the presence and condition of enclosures.
4. Steps to Begin the Process
To begin operations involving outdoor storage of specified recyclable resources, follow these steps:
- Preliminary Consultation
Discuss your business plan with Saitama Prefecture. - Resident Briefings
Conduct an explanatory meeting for local residents. - Permit Application
Submit the required documents to Saitama Prefecture for approval. - Start of Operations
Begin operations after obtaining approval. (Permits must be renewed every five years.)
For businesses operating as of January 1, 2025, the grace period allows notification to the prefecture by June 30, 2025, for deemed approval.
In Chiba Prefecture, applications for scrap yards have already started, but there have been cases where entrusting the application process to someone other than a Gyosei-Shoshi has led to problems. If you wish to continue your business, be sure to consult a Gyosei-Shoshi in Saitama Prefecture as soon as possible.