3Rs technology covers a broad range of products and technology types. The information contained in this database is classified into the two categories of 3Rs product type and 3Rs technology type in order to make it easier for the user to conduct searches for technology. Detailed descriptions of how content is classified and the suitable approaches to research techniques are described below.   The 3Rs technology data included in the database is accumulated using comprehensive surveys on 3Rs technology being developed in Japan. The surveys use a standard format form that is filled out by Japanese corporations and institutions and each technology is assessed on the basis of its importance. As of 2005, the database contains approximately 550 items of technology in total. These technology items are classified according to the following categories to make it easier and quicker to find the desired items and browse through the information retrieved.   The 3Rs (Reduced, Reuse and Recycle) technology provided in the database is separated according to the following categories and further classified into 15 categories (details), including "optimization processing technology" and "common base technology." Reduce F This category includes resource conservation, and longer product life, and waste reduction and other techniques for reduction. Reuse F This category includes easier disassembly of products into materials, remaining life assessment and other techniques for reuse of products and materials. Recycling F This category includes products and material pulverizing, material sorting, material recovery, fuel extraction and thermal recycle, as well as other types of recycling. Optimization Processing Technology (e.g. Detoxification Processes for 3Rs) and Common Base Technology   These categories include the 18 categories designated for products and waste materials in the gRecycling Guidelines (By Product Category, By Industry Sector) h issued by the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry and the four groups of categories covering the main materials comprising products (including 8 categories of steel, aluminum and plastics) and mixed waste materials (from shredders, dust bins and urban garbage disposal). After having eliminated overlapping categories there are now a total of 68 categories (details).   The 3Rs technology data in the database that is gathered through the technical survey process has been classified according to 15 technology categories and 68 product categories. The information search matrix is comprised of product category as the vertical axis and technology as the horizontal axis. Users simply enter the desired 3Rs technology in the search field in order to display lists of related technology items. In addition, the search results display 3Rs Technology Profiles specified in the displayed technology list. Users may then conduct searches of the full text of the 3Rs Technology Profiles in order to obtain more information on the desired technology.   The individual 3Rs Technology Profiles contain such information as technology principles and theory, accompanying diagrams, key features, and sales performance, as well as information on effectiveness, performance and cost during the development stage, lifecycle assessment (LCA), the period between start of research and development of eventual commercial application and issues concerning commercial application of the technology.