08/05/2026
Activity Report: Delegation from Surabaya Visits Advanced Recycling Facilities in Kyushu, Japan
As part of the Toyota Foundation International Grant Program, IGES welcomed a five-member delegation from the Environmental Agency of Surabaya City, NGO, and university in Surabaya to explore advanced recycling initiatives in Kyushu, Japan, including disposable diaper recycling and other resource circulation technologies. This project aims to co-create a sustainable diaper recycling model through collaboration between Japanese and Surabaya-based partner organisations.
During the visit, the delegation toured a range of advanced recycling facilities across Kyushu and learned about the integrated aspects of history, technology, and local implementation of recycling including diaper waste.
In Kitakyushu, the group visited the Kitakyushu Environmental Museum and the Kitakyushu Eco-Town Center to better understand the city’s history of overcoming pollution and its resource circulation systems. The delegation also visited Nishihara Shouji Co., Ltd., a company with long-standing experience operating intermediate waste treatment facilities in Surabaya, where they toured the facility and exchanged views with company representatives.
In Oki town, Fukuoka prefecture, the delegation visited the Oki Circular Center and the Environmental Plaza to learn about organic waste recycling systems, including a biogas facility using methane fermentation of food waste. The group also visited Total Care System Co., Ltd. in Omuta, where collected disposable diapers from Oki Town are recycled, and toured the diaper recycling plant.
In Osaki town, Kagoshima prefecture, the delegation visited the Soo Recycle Center’s intermediate treatment facility and food waste composting facilities that support the town’s recycling system. Participants learned how the town has achieved a recycling rate of over 80% without relying on incineration. They also toured a processing plant that realises “horizontal recycling” of disposable diapers. Through a courtesy visit to the mayor of Osaki and lecture from Osaki government officer, the delegation gained deeper insights into the importance of community participation in waste separation and long-term continuous efforts.
Participants expressed strong interest in how the accumulation of efforts in waste separation, resource recovery, and continuity have led to significant results. The study tour provided valuable and practical insights for future implementation in Surabaya.
For the details of the project: https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/psearch/JoseiDetail?name=D25-N-0054