Throw Away or Sell It?
Compare sodai-gomi disposal fees vs Mercari selling profit. Select your items to see how much you save.
Step 1: Select your items
🛋️ Furniture
🔌 Appliances
📦 Other
Step 2: Your results
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Select items on the left to see your savings.
FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to throw away furniture in Japan?
Disposal fees (sodai-gomi) vary by municipality. In Tokyo, typical fees range from ¥400 for small items (chairs, fans) to ¥1,200–¥2,000 for large furniture. Large appliances like fridges and washing machines have mandatory recycling fees under the Home Appliance Recycling Law (¥2,530–¥4,730).
Q: Can I sell my fridge on Mercari before leaving Japan?
Yes. Working fridges sell well on Mercari, typically for ¥5,000–¥25,000 depending on size and age. Selling saves you the ¥4,730 recycling disposal fee plus earns you money — a swing of up to ¥30,000 compared to disposal.
Q: What is sodai-gomi and how much does it cost?
Sodai-gomi (粗大ごみ) means oversized garbage in Japanese — large items that do not fit in regular trash bags. You must schedule pickup through your local ward office and purchase disposal tickets (sodai-gomi shori ken) at convenience stores. Fees are typically ¥400–¥2,000 per item in Tokyo.