7-Eleven Japan has announced that it has finally completed the installation of its plastic bottle recycling machines all across Japan. This initiative, which began in 2015, has collected a cumulative total of over 770 million plastic bottles to date, making it a landmark news story that demonstrates just how seriously Japan’s convenience stores are tackling environmental issues.
On October 24, 2025, with an installation at a store in Hakodate, Hokkaido, these recycling machines finally achieved deployment in every prefecture of Japan. The total number of machines has now reached 4,451. For our international readers, Japanese convenience stores might be best known as “the convenient place for everything,” but in recent years, contributions to sustainability like this have become another one of their defining features.
The “Bottle to Bottle” Cycle That Starts at the Storefront
Behind 7-Eleven’s decision to launch this initiative was the strong conviction that “waste generated in Japan should be processed within Japan.” Back in 2015, many of Japan’s used plastic bottles were exported overseas as resources. This project was therefore launched to establish a domestic resource circulation system.
The concept is “Bottle to Bottle.”
This is a groundbreaking system where used plastic bottles inserted by consumers into the in-store collection machines are not just recycled, but are reborn as new plastic bottles.
In fact, the PET resin recycled through this method is used for the containers of 7-Eleven’s private brand products, such as “Hajime Green Tea with Shizuoka Tea 600ml.” The bottles you return eventually find their way back to the store shelf as new products. This visible cycle resonates with many people and has become a driving force for participation. Such a system is a wonderful practical example of a “circular economy,” where resources are utilized without waste.
Kids Can Enjoy Eco-Activities Too! A Cute Collaboration with “Shimajiro”
Furthermore, to spread this eco-activity to a wider audience, 7-Eleven has teamed up with “Shimajiro,” a character immensely popular with parents and children in Japan.
“Shimajiro” is a character from “Kodomo Challenge,” created by the major education company Benesse Corporation, and has been loved for many years as a figure who helps children develop the ability to think and act for themselves.
In this collaboration, an educational video will be streamed starting December 3, 2025, featuring parents and children taking on the challenge of plastic bottle recycling with “Shimajiro.” This initiative aims to create an opportunity for children from a young age to encounter the beautiful Japanese value of “mottainai,” which means not being wasteful and cherishing things. It’s a truly unique attempt to get them interested in environmental issues while having fun through an experience at their local convenience store.
Let’s Try It Out! How to Use the Recycling Machine
If you have the chance to visit Japan, be sure to try using one of these plastic bottle recycling machines. They are very easy to use.
First, remove the cap and label from your empty plastic bottle and give the inside a light rinse. Then, just insert the bottles one by one into the machine’s slot. It can handle large bottles up to 2 liters in size.
What’s interesting is its integration with “nanaco,” 7-Eleven’s e-money card. When you insert your bottles, if you tap your card, you’ll receive 1 nanaco point for every 5 plastic bottles. This “poi-katsu” (point-collecting activity), where you can contribute to the environment while earning points, might be a lifestyle choice that’s very typical of modern Japan.
You can check which stores have the recycling machines on the official website below. When you travel to Japan, why not check it out and experience this advanced recycling system for yourself?
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