Tokyo launches rare resource recovery project for used computers

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the ‘Rare Resource Emergency Recovery Project’ to increase the collection of used computers and extract valuable metals from the ‘urban mine.’ In partnership with Renet Japan Recycle Co., Ltd., the initiative aims to facilitate the recycling of electronic devices containing rare earth elements and precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, nickel, and lithium.

Starting October 23, 2026, the program will offer free courier collection for computers within Tokyo. To encourage participation and address data security concerns, the Tokyo government will subsidize the cost of professional data erasure services for up to 80,000 units. Participants will receive a certificate of data destruction upon completion.

This initiative follows a previous lithium-ion battery collection campaign and builds on the resource recovery efforts used to produce medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The project is designed to bolster Japan’s resource security by diversifying the methods used to secure critical minerals found in small electronic appliances.