Kubota has begun constructing a new resource circulation system aimed at fully recovering resources from combustible waste by separating food waste and plastic waste. It will validate regional models based on Yokohama City and Tokushima Prefecture and has been selected for a Ministry of the Environment model project.
On 13 October 2026, Kubota announced that it had begun constructing a new resource circulation system aimed at establishing a Circular Economy Promotion Center that would fully recycle and utilize municipal waste generated in local communities on a prefecture-wide scale. Food waste and plastic waste will be separated from combustible waste and used as fuel for biomass power generation and as recycled raw materials. The initiative was selected for the Ministry of the Environment's Resource Circulation Acceleration Project for the Thorough Utilization of Local Resources.
Kubota will combine its proprietary melting separation technology with the sorting of combustible waste to construct a complete resource recovery system. Slag and valuable metals will be recovered from incineration ash. Plastic waste will be used as recycled material, while the remainder will be used as fuel for a melting furnace. Food waste will be used as feedstock for bioenergy and as compost, with the aim of achieving both decarbonization and zero final disposal.
Three validation studies will be conducted. The National Institute for Environmental Studies and the Waste Management and 3R Research Foundation will participate as external advisers. Kubota has been considering the concept of the center and aims to promote the circular economy through private-sector-led public-private partnerships and collaboration between arterial and venous industries. Going forward, it will consider recycling and utilizing industrial waste, including waste plastics and sewage sludge.
The planned method for separating combustible waste involves residents placing food waste in designated bags and disposing of them in large bags for combustible waste. This will enable the existing collection method to be maintained while improving the efficiency of mechanical sorting at the separation facility. Kubota will validate regional models based on Yokohama City and Tokushima Prefecture and may expand the recycling of local resources in future developments.