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Published N3 est.3 min read

Tokyo to Create a List of 'Trusted Home Air-Conditioner Removal Shops' — Japan's First, Applications From November 2

In Tokyo, about 40% of freon emissions come from home air conditioners. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has created a system to register and publish the names of removal shops that meet its standards — giving you one more list to check when you move or get rid of an air conditioner.

Tokyo to Create a List of 'Trusted Home Air-Conditioner Removal Shops' — Japan's First, Applications From November 2
  • On October 7, 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (東京都) announced a registration system for 'trusted home air-conditioner removal support shops' (家庭用エアコン取外し優良サポート店) — according to Tokyo, the first such system in Japan.
  • The reason: freon accounts for about 6% of Tokyo's greenhouse gas emissions, and about 40% of freon emissions come from home air conditioners, a share that is rising; improper removal or disposal lets the gas leak.
  • Businesses with an office in Tokyo can apply from November 2, 2026 (planned); the names of qualifying shops will be published on Tokyo's websites — the start of publication will be announced later.

Tokyo creates a list of qualifying air-conditioner removal shops

On October 7, 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced a new scheme to register and publish the names of home air-conditioner removal shops that meet set conditions.

According to Tokyo, it is the first system of its kind in Japan.

Why home air conditioners?

About 6% of the greenhouse gases emitted in Tokyo are freons. Roughly 40% of freon emissions come from home air conditioners, and that share is growing.

If an air conditioner is removed or disposed of improperly, the freon leaks into the air.

Who can register, and what must shops do?

Eligible businesses are those with an office or site in Tokyo that regularly provide air-conditioner removal — for example, neighborhood electrical shops or electrical contractors.

Tokyo will review each business's track record, its setup for legal compliance, whether staff have taken training and whether it has work manuals before registering it.

Registered shops will remove units carefully to prevent freon leaks and guide customers to disposal methods that follow the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法) and related laws.

When does it start?

Applications from businesses are scheduled to open on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The names of registered shops will be published on the websites of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corporation (東京都環境公社), among others. Tokyo says it will make a separate announcement when publication begins.

Words in this article

取り外しとりはずし
removal, detaching
家庭用かていよう
for household use
登録とうろく
registration
公表こうひょう
public announcement, disclosure
処分しょぶん
disposal
漏れるもれる
to leak
申請しんせい
application

Notes

This article was checked on October 13, 2026.

Applications are made by shops and other businesses, not by residents. The list of registered shops has not been published yet.

Source: 東京都 (7 Oct 2026)