Origins in Japan
In 2008, Kenichi Mamitsuka from Japan introduced SpoGomi, blending “sport” and “gomi” (Japanese for “trash”). Teams of three to five participants compete to collect litter within a designated area and time frame. Points are awarded based on the type and amount of trash gathered, with cigarette butts often yielding the highest scores.
Global Expansion
By 2023, SpoGomi had gained international traction, leading to the inaugural SpoGomi World Cup in Tokyo. Teams from 21 countries participated, including representatives from the United States, Australia, and France. The United Kingdom secured first place by collecting 57.27 kilograms of litter, earning 9,046.1 points.
Competition Rules
In SpoGomi competitions, teams are prohibited from collecting trash from private properties and must sort their collected litter into categories such as burnable waste, recyclable plastics, metal cans, and cigarette butts within a specified time after collection. The team accumulating the most points within the allotted time is declared the winner.
Community Engagement
SpoGomi has been embraced by various communities, with events like the Fukushima tournament in Japan attracting 93 teams and 410 participants. These competitions not only foster teamwork and strategic planning but also promote environmental awareness and community involvement.
SpoGomi turns trash collection into competition. Originating in Japan in 2008, teams of three to five race to collect and sort litter, earning points based on type and amount. The first SpoGomi World Cup in 2023 brought global teams together, turning cleanup into a sport.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/lbeL8BY9fD
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 6, 2025