Final answer:
Tokyo struggles with waste management despite producing less garbage per person than the global average due to limited space for landfills, the emphasis on recycling, and the high standard of living and consumerism in the city.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tokyo struggles with waste management despite producing less garbage per person than the global average for several reasons. Firstly, Tokyo is a densely populated city with limited space for landfills, which leads to the challenge of finding appropriate locations to dispose of waste. Secondly, Japan has a strong recycling culture, which creates a demand for efficient waste sorting and disposal methods. Finally, Tokyo's high standard of living and consumerism contribute to the generation of waste, including packaging materials and electronic waste.
One major issue Tokyo faces is the limited availability of land for waste disposal due to its dense population. Unlike rural areas that have more land to accommodate landfills, urban areas like Tokyo have to find creative solutions such as constructing waste incineration plants or transporting waste to other regions.
Japan's emphasis on recycling also adds complexity to waste management in Tokyo. The country has strict regulations and recycling targets to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Tokyo's waste management system needs to ensure effective sorting and processing to meet these recycling goals and avoid contamination of recyclable materials.
Furthermore, Tokyo's high standard of living and consumerism contribute to the waste management challenge. The city's residents have high purchasing power and consume a wide range of products that generate waste, such as packaging materials, plastic containers, and electronic devices. Managing such diverse waste streams requires comprehensive and efficient waste management infrastructure.