China plans 'zero-waste city' pilot program

World
Europe

01:54

China is taking bold steps in tackling environmental pollution and protecting blue skies, clean water and soil.

Now, the country is trying to catch up with others in piloting a "zero-waste city" program for entire cities. Some say significant progress is right around the corner.

In China, people are accustomed to food or commodity delivery services. But behind this simple act, solid waste piles up like mountains.

In the country, about ten billion tons of solid waste are generated each year by people and industry, according to official statistics.

Such an inconvenient truth poses a national burden, yet at the same time raises awareness.

A zero-waste pilot program is being launched. /VCG Photo

Qiu Qiwen, director for managing solid waste and chemicals in China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said that to tackle these issues, a work plan for the "zero-waste city" pilot program which was passed last December is drawing wide attention.

Within a short time, some 60 candidate cities have applied for the program.

From that number, ten will be selected to do experiments and set examples.

The idea is based on recent international practice to minimize the sources of solid waste as well as the burden on landfills. It sets its standards as "Reduce", "Recycle" and "Reuse".

Waste-recycling exhibition in Nanjing, east China /VCG Photo

"As of now, we have started a mechanism for experts from 18 different organizations across China to discuss ways for doing this, as well as making implementation plans and the index system for building it," Qiu said.

The ten pilot cities will be selected in June, and the ministry says by next year, the program will nail down a format to promote the development of such a mode in cities and towns across the country.

Experts say that many countries are now trying similar methods. For example, in the United States, New York City plans to reduce landfills by 90 percent by 2030.

Chinese officials plan to take good lessons from others to set their own plans.

Next, the ministry says it will help revise relevant laws and regulations, and launch special operations, not only for the zero-waste city pilot, but also on a larger scale. All of these plans are aimed at a cleaner and better living environment.