Sapporo Garbage Bag Shortage Forces City to Accept Non-Standard Bags, June 09

Sapporo residents rushed to buy designated garbage bags in May after Middle East tensions raised supply concerns, creating severe shortages in local stores. The city announced it will accept transparent or semi-transparent bags up to 45 liters from June 15 through September 30. This temporary measure addresses panic buying that pushed demand 5 to 10 times above normal levels.

Why Garbage Bags Vanished From Store Shelves

Starting in late May, Sapporo residents began hoarding designated garbage bags due to concerns about Middle East supply disruptions. Demand surged 5 to 10 times above 2025 levels, leaving some stores with less than one-third of normal 5-liter bag inventory. The city imposed a one-set-per-person purchase limit on May 28 at retail stores, but shortages persisted.

City Eases Rules to Keep Garbage Collection Running

Starting June 15, Sapporo will collect combustible and non-combustible garbage in any transparent or semi-transparent bag up to 45 liters. The temporary acceptance of non-standard bags runs through September 30. Mayor Akimoto Katsuhiro stated the city has secured 2026 supply and will not raise prices, urging residents to stop panic buying.

Supply Chain Concerns Behind the Panic

The shortage stems from supply concerns about naphtha, the plastic raw material used to make garbage bags. Sapporo city officials confirmed the city has secured its 2026 supply allocation. Other Hokkaido cities including Hokuto have adopted similar temporary measures to manage demand spikes.

What Residents Need to Know Now

Residents can use any clear or semi-transparent bag under 45 liters for both burnable and non-burnable waste starting June 15. Torn or damaged bags will not be collected. Standard bags remain available at retailers, and the city urges calm purchasing behavior to prevent future shortages.

Final Thoughts

Sapporo’s temporary acceptance of non-standard bags through September 30 resolves immediate collection risks without raising prices. Residents should avoid further panic buying, as the city has confirmed adequate 2026 supply.

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