JAPANESE EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The need to enhance efficiency in waste management is one of the biggest issues affecting modernizing societies trying to develop economic growth. Globalization has prompted more countries to aim for increased economic development. However, pursuing advanced economic development comes with its own set of challenges. The unsustainable utilization of limited natural resources and the increasing waste issue are both sources of concern. Containers and packaging, food waste, home electric appliances, and construction materials comprise a portion of Japan's household waste. Consequently, the country needs to develop an effective waste management system. The goal of the research is to examine the historical experience of the development of a sustainable waste management system in Japan, with a focus on the integration of economic, social, and environmental factors within the context of sustainable development. The tasks of the study include the examination of the impact of legal and regulatory changes, the analysis of Japan's waste management evolution across various historical eras, and the evaluation of the efficacy of current waste management initiatives, such as the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The research employs a historical and regulatory analysis methodology, using both primary and secondary data to trace the development of waste management policies and practices. The comprehensive approach of the study, which classifies Japan's waste management evolution into eras and identifies the primary drivers of change in policy and technology, contributes to its novelty. The results show a significant shift from basic hygiene-focused waste management to a sophisticated system that seamlessly integrates into economic and production processes. The current emphasis is on proactive environmental management and resource recovery.