The Changsha Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee held a press conference on August 5 afternoon. It announced that the Changsha Municipal Regulations on Household Waste Management (hereafter referred to as “the Regulations”) will take effect from October 1 this year. This means that waste sorting will become a law-based and mandatory practice in Changsha.

As one of the 46 pilot cities for waste sorting, Changsha has been exploring and improving its household waste classification system. As of October last year, Changsha has

- carried out “motivating; facility installing; public participation; and, classified disposal and collection of wastes” in 633 communities;

- put more than 180,000 classified dustbins in residential areas.

- replaced more than 7,000 sets of old two-category (recyclable and other waste) dustbins with new four-category ones on main and secondary roads;

- equipped more than 1,100 classified transport vehicles for residential areas;

- renovated or built 82 kitchen waste (wet waste) disposal stations;

- established a “4+X” waste sorting and disposal whole-chain system, with recyclable waste, hazardous waste, household food waste, and residual waste as the basic types.

The Regulations, comprised of 10 chapters and 64 articles, applies to both the urban and rural areas of Changsha, while taking into account differences between urban and rural areas in household waste management.

According to relevant national standards and Changsha’s practical situation, the Regulations divides household waste into recyclable, hazardous, household food, and residual categories. It also includes stipulations on bulk waste management.

Individuals who fail to comply with the Regulations will face a fine of between 50 and 200 yuan, while institutions will face a heftier fine that ranges from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan.　　

Source: en.changsha.gov.cn