In Japan the Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of
Resources (revision of the Law for the Promotion of Utilization
of Recycled Resources) came into effect in 2001. The law aims
at establishment of a recycling-based economic system (1)by
strengthening measures such as collection and reuse of
products by businesses, as well as (2)by introducing new
measures to reduce wastes through saving materials used in
products and extending product lifetime and (3)to reuse
components of products collected. The Law for Recycling
Specified Kinds of Home Appliances (Home Appliance
Recycling Law) 4) also became effective in 2001. The law
applies to household air conditioners, CRT television receivers,
refrigerators and washing machines, and set out a clear role that
manufacturers, importers, retailers, consumers, and municipal
and national governments have to play.