The Act on Promoting Recycling of Solar Cell Waste (Act No. 33 of Reiwa 8) was enacted on May 29, 2026 and promulgated on June 5. To prepare for mass disposal of solar panels from the late 2030s, it obligates businesses that plan to discard large volumes of commercial solar cells to take recycling measures based on standards set by the government. It takes effect on a date set by Cabinet Order within 1 year and 6 months of promulgation.Solar panels are expected to wear out and be thrown away in large numbers from the late 2030s. So in 2026 a law was passed that requires power companies discarding many panels to work on recycling.
Guide to panel disposal cost (per kW)
Landfill (about, or more)2,000JPY
Recycling (low end)8,000JPY
Recycling (high end)12,000JPY
How the new system works
1. Government decidesSets goals and standards for what to do
2. NotifyCompanies discarding a lot file their plan in advance
3. RecycleRecyclers approved by the government process them at lower cost
In June 2026, Kitakyushu City published its results for FY2025 (Reiwa 7) in attracting companies and U-turn/I-turn migration. Investment decided by companies entering the city was JPY 777.7 billion, 49 IT companies entered or expanded, and 298 people took jobs through U-turn/I-turn, all described as records. The city named international conditions, securing industrial land and meeting office demand as challenges, and showed completion dates for new office buildings.Companies that build new factories or offices are gathering in Kitakyushu. In FY2025, the amount companies decided to spend there was JPY 777.7 billion, the most ever. The number of people who came from other places to work in Kitakyushu was also the highest ever, at 298.
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