Aside from the point made by author - I visited Japan last year, I never had too much of an issue with garbage when visiting the major cities.
Most garbage was compactible and clean enough that I could stuff it into my garbage pocket (to the dismay of my girlfriend). Larger or dirtier items, I would put into a ziplock bag in my backpack that I carried with me everywhere. Public trash receptacles, while rarer than in North America, could be found often enough if you were observant of your surroundings.
Most garbage was compactible and clean enough that I could stuff it into my garbage pocket (to the dismay of my girlfriend). Larger or dirtier items, I would put into a ziplock bag in my backpack that I carried with me everywhere. Public trash receptacles, while rarer than in North America, could be found often enough if you were observant of your surroundings.