Just one week after a new regulation on waste sorting went into effect, Shanghai authorities have already begun to separate out the trash cans from the trash can’ts.
According to a report Sunday by local outlet Xinmin Evening News, Shanghai’s urban management department has carried out 9,600 inspections of businesses and individuals for compliance with the city’s waste management policy since July 1, resulting in over 3,300 “rectification” orders and 190 fines. Failure to set up differentiated waste bins accounted for 62.1% of the fines, while improper sorting accounted for 35.8%.
Shanghai unveiled plans for the trash-sorting regulations in late January, requiring all waste to be separated out into four types: wet, dry, hazardous, and recyclable. Individuals can be fined up to 200 yuan ($30) and businesses up to 50,000 yuan for each violation of the stringent — and somewhat complicated — new rules. (Image: VCG)