Zhou Qichen

    Garbage decomposition and recycling is a serious problem. We generate garbage much faster than it can decompose. For example, Shenzhen’s nine landfills and incineration plants can only deal with 8,000 tons of waste per day, but Shenzhen generates 14,000 tons of waste per day. In addition, unclassified garbage can generate liquid and decreases in temperature when it is burnt. This type of garbage generates smoke during combustion and greatly jeopardizes the health of surrounding residents.

    For example, the morbidity rate of residents living near the waste incineration plant is several times higher than other residential areas; many residents have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Nearby residents are against the planning and building of new incineration plants. Additionally, the plants require large amount of fuel to operate.

    Fortunately, one company is experimenting with a new way to classify garbage with new technology. The company picked two residential areas, one in Hongli and another in Binhe, to build experimental “green stations.” The stations have a big screen and play several videos about garbage classification. They also have some games designed for children. This encourages parents and children to classify garbage at home.

    There are also intelligent bins for kitchen waste. Residents who throw garbage into the specially designed kitchen bins need to use a card to open the bins. Through the Internet, a record of what was disposed is transmitted to the main control machine and recorded in the system. After accumulating points by using the card, residents can use the points to receive small gifts.

    The Shenzhen government also legislated new laws to regulate the whole process from classification to decomposition. Future laws may go even further and require residents to weigh their garbage and could charge fees for unclassified waste. Consequently, residents who correctly classify their garbage would not need to pay for disposal and could even earn rewards for doing it right. Legislation is a process that needs patience and practice since the supervision and control of residents makes this plan more difficult than we can imagine. But citizens should have confidence in the new system and follow the examples of other countries and cities.