You are standing in front of five bins, holding one empty container, and every label seems to be written in a different language. Recycling rules vary from place to place. Instead of guessing, learn the questions that help you get the right answer where you actually live.
The Big Idea
Describe the item, ask which collection stream accepts it and use your building’s or municipality’s official sorting guide.
10 Practical English Phrases
| English | Japanese · 日本語 |
|---|---|
| Which bin does this go in? | これはどの回収箱に入れますか？ |
| I'm new to the building. | この建物に引っ越してきたばかりです。 |
| Is there a recycling guide I can read? | 読める分別ガイドはありますか？ |
| Do food containers need to be rinsed? | 食品容器はすすぐ必要がありますか？ |
| Is there a separate bin for food scraps? | 生ごみ専用の容器はありますか？ |
| Does glass go here? | ガラスはここですか？ |
| Are plastic bags accepted in this bin? | この回収箱にビニール袋を入れてもいいですか？ |
| Where should I take used batteries? | 使用済みの電池はどこに持っていけばいいですか？ |
| Where can I drop off old electronics? | 古い電子機器はどこに持ち込めますか？ |
| What should I do if this bin is full? | この箱がいっぱいならどうすればいいですか？ |
Real Conversation — Fictional Roleplay
RESIDENT: “Hi, I'm new to the building. Which bin does this container go in?”
CARETAKER: “That depends on the local sorting rules. What kind of container is it?”
RESIDENT: “It is a plastic food container. Does it need to be rinsed?”
CARETAKER: “Let me show you the building's recycling guide.”
RESIDENT: “Thanks. And where should I take used batteries?”
CARETAKER: “The guide lists the designated collection option.”
RESIDENT: “Perfect. Could I have a copy of the guide?”
Remember: Collection rules vary by building and town. Point to the item and check the local guide.
Problem → Need → Request
Problem: I cannot tell where a container belongs.
Need: I need to check the local recycling rules.
Request: “Could you show me the recycling guide and tell me which bin accepts this item?”
Before You Go
- Identify the item and what material it is made from
- Look for the building or city’s current official sorting guide
- Ask about food scraps, glass and soft plastic separately
- Use special collection information for batteries and electronics
- Do not put unidentified items into a bin just to finish quickly
3-Round Speaking Mission
- Round 1: Point to an item and say “Which bin does this go in?”
- Round 2: Ask whether rinsing or special handling is required.
- Round 3: Ask for the official guide and repeat the correct location.
Surprise round: Someone says, “Everything goes in the blue bin.” Ask politely to check the official program rules rather than accepting a guess.
Natural-English note: “Recycling” is often a broad term, but not every recyclable-looking item is accepted by the same collection program.
