The Ministry of the Environment (MoE) has compiled a set of recommendations titled “Recommendations on the Formation of Resource Circulation Networks and the Development of Hub Facilities” through its study group on projects related to resource circulation network formation and hub development, setting a target vision for the period from 2030 to 2035.

The initiative covers ten types of circular resources, including iron scrap (including ship-derived materials), aluminum scrap, electronic scrap, end-of-life vehicles, waste plastics, used lithium-ion batteries, decommissioned wind power equipment, end-of-life solar panels, and waste cooking oil.

As part of this effort, an “eco-town” will be developed in Muroran in Hokkaido as a recycling hub, particularly for solar panels and wind power equipment, where significant increases in waste volumes are expected.