Tokyo Decluttering Resource Guide

Last updated: October 2026

Getting rid of things in Tokyo can be overwhelming. Every ward has its own garbage rules, many services are only in Japanese, and there are fewer places to donate than in many Western countries. I made these guides so you can find the right option quickly, in plain English.

These guides are based on Minato City. Many tips work anywhere in Tokyo, but garbage rules are different in each ward. If you live in another ward, check your ward's official guide too: Shibuya · Meguro · Setagaya

Tip: ask AI, then check here

Many people now start by asking ChatGPT or Claude. Try something like:

How do I throw out an umbrella in Minato City?

Where can I donate children's clothes near Azabu-Juban?

I'm moving out of Minato City in 3 weeks. What do I need to book now?

AI is a good start, but it can mix up ward rules or give old information. Use these guides to check the details.

Three ways to let go

Start with the first one that fits.

1. Throw it out, the right wayGarbage rules, things the city won't collect, dolls and photos 2. Give it a second lifeGive away, donate, or recycle. No money, but it's used again 3. Sell itMercari, secondhand shops, a box sent from home

Common questions

How do I get rid of a sofa or other large furniture?Give it away on Jimoty, or book large-sized waste Where can I donate clothes in Tokyo?City boxes, UNIQLO, ZARA, MUJI, and more How do I throw out batteries and power banks?Incombustible day, with tape on the ends How do I get rid of a fridge, TV, or washing machine?The city won't collect these. Here's what to do I'm moving out and have a lot of garbage. What do I do?Call the city first, then buy fee tickets Is there an English garbage chart I can print?Minato City's one-page chart, with space for your days

Not sure what to do with an item? See the quick guide for each item.

All guides

Letting go of things in Tokyo

Where to throw out, give away, donate, recycle, or sell things, with a quick guide for each item.

Before you start: my advice
Quick guide: what to do with each item
1. Throw it out, the right way: garbage rules, large appliances and computers, dolls and photos (Minna no Otakiage)
2. Give it a second life: give away for free (in front of your house, Jimoty, Minato City free furniture pickup) · donate (the Salvation Army, Second Harvest Japan, libraries, clothing boxes, UNIQLO / ZARA / MUJI, toy boxes, Furugi de Vaccine) · recycle (drop-off points in Minato City, small appliances and phones, dishes and glass)
3. Sell it: Mercari, Book Off and Hard Off, Pollet (sell a box from home), secondhand shops in Minato City

How to throw out garbage in Minato City

An English guide to Minato City's garbage rules. Other wards: Shibuya · Meguro · Setagaya

Official English guides from Minato City: a one-page chart to print, the full guidebook, and the app
When and where do I put out garbage?
How do I sort it?
How do I get rid of large items like furniture?
Moving out? A lot of garbage at once
What can't the city collect?
Japanese words you'll see on garbage signs
Can I just call a removal company?
Need help in English?

I'm Ai Hayashi, a KonMari® consultant in Tokyo. I help people get their homes in order, often before a move. If you'd like help deciding what to keep and what to let go, book a free consultation.