The goal of the project, which is already under way, is to collect eight tons of raw metal, out of which will come the two tons of pure metal needed to make the approximately 5,000 medals that will be awarded to athletes. That includes the Paralympic Games. Attending the ceremony that kicked off the recycling campaign were swimmers Takeshi Matsuda and Takuro Yamada (who is a Paralympian).

Olympics officials have set up collection boxes throughout the country and have asked people to donate smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices. The collection will end in spring 2019 (or when the target has been reached).