SHENZHEN will pilot a classified collection and garbage disposal system in residential communities, according to the city urban management bureau.
The city plans to classify garbage into four categories: recyclable, kitchen waste, hazardous waste and others, according to the bureau s environment and hygiene department.
Kitchen waste accounted for around 45 percent of the city s total waste, the transportation of which causes pollution without proper disposal, according to the department.
Kitchen waste is potentially a resource, one that could be used as fertilizer or animal feed.
In addition, hazardous waste such as discarded batteries and used medicine could also cause pollution.
The department has set up a special team to study the classified collection and disposal of waste.
The team has inspected garbage disposal in developed countries such as Japan and the United States and completed a research report and related material.
The pilot program would be implemented in selected residential communities.
The bureau is also studying incentives to encourage residents to take the initiative to sort out garbage, but no penalties have yet been suggested.
The equipment required for collecting, transporting and disposing waste would cost more than 10 billion yuan (US$1.54 billion), the department said.
(Li Hao)
