TOKYO - Japan's general waste output fell to a record low of 38.11 million tons in fiscal 2024, a government survey showed Friday, due to a population decline and the spread of paid garbage collection that has helped change consumer habits.

The figure was about 70 percent of its peak of 54.83 million tons in fiscal 2000, the Environment Ministry said. The total has continued to mark record lows since fiscal 2012, with the government aiming to cut such waste further to around 37 million tons by fiscal 2030 through steps such as reducing food loss and promoting reuse.