Japan's Ministry of the Environment opened applications on April 21, 2026 for support to local governments introducing or considering the recycling of used disposable diapers. The programme supports preparatory surveys and public-awareness work, including measures developed with businesses and civic organisations. The ministry aims to create practical examples, publicise them and encourage adoption in other municipalities.
Applicants could include prefectures, cities, towns, villages, special wards and joint municipal bodies. Joint proposals from several municipalities or associations were also permitted. Around seven projects were expected to be selected within a total support budget of ¥22 million, including tax. The indicative ceiling was normally about ¥2.2 million per project, rising to ¥4.4 million depending on continuity, development potential and wider impact. Applications ran until 6 p.m. on May 18, 2026. Local governments were instructed to submit an implementation plan and project summary by email, using the forms linked from the announcement. The ministry also provided the programme secretariat's contact details.