Zero-Waste Multi-Purpose Facility Built Out of Recycled Materials

Designed by the architect Hiroshi Nakamura and his Tokyo-based studio, Japan’s first zero-waste center was built in 2003. Located in Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, the recycling facility is the leader and closest one to reaching an entirely trash-free community. Using 80 percent of the garbage previously generated, the center recycles everything through 45 different categories. The facility is built from upcycled materials. 700 donated windows cover the facade and the terrazzo flooring is made out of glass and ceramic shards. Even the blue storage containers taken from shiitake farm are used as bookshelves as seen in the photos below. The center drive-through is designed as the perfect dropping point for all unwanted materials. Residents bring all the items they no longer need and others can take them for free. There are also 4 hotel rooms decorated with wallpaper made out of old newsprint with the stamped question “WHY?” referencing the unnecessary need for consumerism.

Japan’s first zero-waste center was built in 2003. in Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture.

The facility is built from upcycled materials.

Using 80 percent of the garbage previously generated, the center recycles everything through 45 different categories.