Following the strict system of waste segregation in Shanghai, the Chinese capital Beijing will implement waste sorting from May 1 with four categories including hazardous, recyclable and food waste among others.

The city's urban management authority has launched online guidelines in order to instruct residents to practice better waste management. Residents can use the instant messaging app WeChat to get information if they are confused about which item goes to which category.

By taking a photo of the items or just speaking to the app, the guidance can immediately tell what category the waste belongs to and what other waste is in the same category.

The authority also explained why the city has to implement a new waste segregation policy on its guidance leaflet. It says that there are hazards to soil, air, water sources and health if the waste is not sorted out properly, and effective waste management helps reduce the pressure from refuse disposal.

According to the statistics, the transportation amount of municipal solid waste in Beijing reached over 10 million tons in 2019, which means the city produced around 27,000 tons on average daily. A total of 40 refuse disposable facilities are in operation around the city and through waste-to-energy power, biochemical treatment and landfill are able to process over 32, 700 tons a day.

Meanwhile, the regulations outlined who is responsible for different parts of the system. Property management companies, for example, should be responsible for residential communities and alleys while proprietary rights holders for public buildings.

It is reported that government offices and state-owned companies in the city have been sorting waste since 2017. In 2018, some schools, hospitals, supermarkets and scenic spots also joined in the waste management effort.

Individuals who fail to follow the regulations repeatedly will be fined a maximum of 200 yuan (28 U.S. dollars) or participate in community service while entities will receive a maximum 50,000 yuan fine, approximately 7,060 U.S. dollars.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the new scheme:

1. Should a family prepare four dustbins?

No. A family can prepare one dustbin for food waste and one for other garbage, and a trash bag for recyclables.

2. Is it necessary to buy dedicated dustbins and trash bags?

No.

3. Can I install an in-sink garbage disposal device?

Yes, but it depends on the drainage of communities and the condition that it will not cause a clogged drain.

4. Will the new waste management system affect courier services?

The policy suggests that courier services should use e-freight notes and biodegradable or recyclable wrapping.

5. Will disposable tableware still be offered in restaurants?

No. All restaurants will no longer be allowed  to offer disposable chopsticks, spoons, forks or knives. Offenders will pay between 5,000 yuan (706 U.S. dollars) and 10,000 yuan (1,400 U.S. dollars) in fines. A maximum of 50,000 yuan (7,060 U.S. dollars) fine would be imposed for repeated violations.

6. Will disposable tableware be offered for takeaway orders?

Disposable tableware will not be offered if customers do not ask for it.

7. Will disposable cleaning supplies be offered in hotels?

No. All hotels will no longer be allowed  to offer disposable toothbrushes, combs, shower sponges, shavers, or nail files. Offenders will pay between 5,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan in fines. A maximum of 50,000 yuan fine would be imposed for repeated violations.

8. Are plastic bags still going to be offered by shopping malls or supermarkets?

No. Malls and supermarkets will no longer be allowed to offer free plastic bags. Offenders will pay between 5,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan in fines. Fines of up to 50,000 yuan would be imposed for repeated violations.

9. Will I be fined for not following the new policy?

"Waste management instructors" will help residents sort waste. If they do not follow the guidelines, the city management authority will mail a warning note. Those who repeatedly violate the policy will pay a maximum of 200 yuan (28 U.S. dollars) in fines or take part in community service.

10. Are the regulations applicable to tourists to Beijing?

Yes. All scenic spots in downtown Beijing will have replaced two-category dustbins with ones with four categories by May 1. Tourists need to dispose of their waste according to the guidelines. Scenic spots in suburbs will have finished the replacement by the end of this year.