Key Facts
• 1987: Kinki Clean Center began operating the private landfill in Tsuruga, Fukui.
• 2000: Waste volume reached 13 times the permitted amount (approx. 1.19 million cubic meters).
• 2006: Tsuruga City and Fukui Prefecture initiated countermeasure projects, completed by 2012.
• 2021: Fukui District Court ruled both Tsuruga City and waste origin groups share responsibility (7:3 cost split).
• 2022: Nagoya High Court overturned the ruling, exempting waste origin groups from liability.
• July 14, 2025: Supreme Court to deliver its ruling on Tsuruga City’s appeal.
• Tsuruga City seeks approx. ¥630 million from five waste origin groups.
• Total costs already paid by 42 groups: ¥800 million; 18 groups remain in dispute.
• Environmental Ministry guidelines used to calculate cost-sharing based on waste volume.
• Tsuruga City has borne costs since 2006 to ensure public safety.
• Supreme Court decision could reshape waste management policies nationwide.
Summary
The Supreme Court will rule on July 14, 2025, regarding Tsuruga City’s appeal to hold five waste origin groups accountable for costs related to countermeasures at a private landfill that received over 13 times its permitted waste volume. Earlier rulings were divided: the Fukui District Court assigned shared responsibility, while the Nagoya High Court exempted the waste origin groups. Tsuruga City has already secured ¥800 million from 42 groups but seeks an additional ¥630 million from five disputing groups. The case highlights the broader implications for waste management policies, as the Supreme Court’s decision could redefine responsibilities for waste disposal and financial burdens across Japan.
