SHENZHEN waste classification regulation will be implemented Sept. 1, according to information released on the website of the city’s legislature recently, sznews.com reported yesterday.

The published regulation specifies requirements on garbage collection, transport, reduction and recycling.

According to the regulation, citizens and companies/institutions that refuse to discard garbage according to published rules will be fined 50 yuan (US$7) and 50,000 yuan, respectively.

The fine can be raised to 200 yuan for residents and up to 500,000 yuan for companies and institutions for serious breaches of the rules.

Those who accept the above punishment or who voluntarily attend waste classification trainings organized by the authorities will be exempted from administrative punishments, according to the regulation.

In Shenzhen, domestic waste is classified into four categories: recyclables, kitchen waste, harmful waste and other waste.

Recyclables include used glass, metal, plastic and paper. Kitchen waste refers to leftovers, eggshells, greens, fruit peels and fallen leaves.

Harmful waste includes batteries, light bulbs, used drugs, medicine and medical supplies. Other waste refers to any waste that is not mentioned above.

The Shenzhen Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau has been appointed as the department responsible for management and supervision of the garbage classification work across the city, while the district urban management and law enforcement departments are to take charge of the management works of domestic garbage sorting in their respective districts. 

(Wang Jingli)