In Shenzhen, domestic waste is classified into four main categories: recyclables, kitchen waste, harmful waste and other waste. Recyclables refer to those that are of recycling values, such as glass, metal, plastic, paper, fabrics, used furniture, and plant waste for festivals. Kitchen waste refers to waste produced from the kitchen. Most of the waste not mentioned above can be put into the categories of harmful waste and other waste.
1. What are recyclables?
Recyclables are waste suitable for recycle and reuse, including glass, metal, plastic, paper, fabrics and clothing, used furniture as well as plant waste for festivals. Shenzhen has set up special recycling bins and disposal areas for items of each category.
Note: Shenzhen produces about 10 tons of used fabrics and clothing every day.
How to dispose of recyclables?
In our daily life, garbage collection companies deliver recyclables to transfer stations, which then collectively ship them away for special treatment and reuse.
FYI: About 0.8 tons of recycled paper can be made from every one ton of recyclable paper waste, which means 17 fewer trees can be saved from being cut down. About 20,000 beer bottles can be made from every one ton of recyclable glass waste. Over 700 kilograms of new materials can be made from every one ton of recyclable plastic bottles, and these new materials can be then used to make toys, barrels and plastic bags, etc.
2. What are kitchen waste?
Kitchen waste is household produced garbage that are easily decayed, including leftovers, greens, fruit peels, eggshells, tea residues, soup dregs, bones, and other wasted food.
How to dispose of kitchen waste?
The kitchen waste should be drained and packed in garbage bags before being put into the green kitchen waste recycling bin. Toothpicks, bottle caps and paper towels, etc. should not be mixed with kitchen waste. As for those packed in plastic bags, make sure to separate the plastic bags from the insides before disposing them, because plastic bags should be put into “Other waste” recycling bins while the rest goes to “Kitchen waste” recycling bins. In addition, kitchen waste easily produces unpleasant odors and therefore must be cleaned up in a timely manner.
3. What is harmful waste?
Harmful waste is waste that causes direct or indirect harm to the human body or natural environment and requires special safety treatment, including batteries, light bulbs, used drugs and chemicals.
How to dispose of harmful waste?
Harmful waste is very hazardous and requires special safety treatment by professional agencies. Therefore, we must keep it intact and organized before putting it into the “Harmful waste” recycling bin.
4. What is other waste?
Other waste, literally, refers to any other domestic waste that doesn’t fall into the categories mentioned above, namely recyclables, kitchen waste and harmful waste. For instance, things like dust, broken ceramics, diapers, plastic bags, disposable tableware and contaminated tissues.
How to dispose of other waste?
Other waste should be dealt with separately and put into the “Other waste” recycling bin in an organized manner. Try not to mix them up, especially with recyclables and harmful waste. Generally, other waste will be sent for safe landfill or incineration, the thermal energy from which can be used to generate electricity.
